Lobethal / South Australia

Big Fire at Lobethal

The following is from:  The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931) Tue 16 Jul 1907 Page 6

Residents were roused at an early hour to the sounds of the Church bell to help and the fact that a motor vehicle was used to bring officials up from Adelaide was also reported.

AN ENGINE HOUSE DESTROYED
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CHURCH BELLS AS A FIRE ALARM.

Lobethal, July 15.

Great excitement was caused here to-day when the alarm was given that the woollen mill were on fire The fire broke out between 3 and 4 am , and the first alarm was given by Mr O Stabernack, who noticed a reflection in his window. He immediately  gave the alarm to the manager, who resides on the premises Owing to the fire having a good hold over the boilers, they were unable to use the whistle for an alarm, but the church bells were set ringing to arouse the townspeople. They responded in large numbers, and it was only through their prompt and willing assistance the main buildings were saved

The fire was confined to the boiler house and the drying rooms only and those have been completely gutted.  The shafting and piping have been doubled up with the heat, and will all have to be replaced.

The damage is not so great as was first anticipated, and it has been roughly estimated at about £300. The boilers will have to be tested by an engineer from the city, as it is thought the heat has had some effect on them. The building is insured.

It will be about a fortnight before the mill will be in working order. Mr W Redpath (assistant manager) went to the company’s office and reported the fire. The manager (Mr Moore) and the insurance manager were speedily on the scene to inspect the premises; They came up from town in a motor.

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