The mill, which is more than 20 years old, burnt so fiercely that the staff of the British Cigarette Ca., whose premises adjoin those of the mill, were set to work with two lines of hose from hydrants in their own compound supplied by two powerful pumps. One jet was placed between a range of godowns and the west buildings of the mill, the other in the vicinity of the finishing room, In the meantime, Chief Officer Pett, Assistant Station Officer Gil-hooly, Sub-Officer Walsh and firemen from Central and Hongkew Station arrived with the Float, which, however, was ut able to get alongside in lino with the fire owing to reclamation work. Landing was therefore made at the Cigarette Co.'s wharf. It was apparent that there was a big task ahead, for the centre buildings of the mill situated' some distance from the water's edge could be seen tottering in the flames.
As the Cigarette Ca. was well equipped with powerful fire pumps. the Float was not utilized for pumping, men taking up an-phanoes, hose. ete. (as fortunately the hydrants had standard outlets which is not alw the case in Shanghai), relieving the Cigarette Co.'s staff. During this short time matters had become exceedingly serious and the blaze was flaring un in the rear, practically the whole east side. where the machines were situated, being in flames. H
A Prritovs Siruarton. scorned as though nothing would stop the fire sweeping throvch the buildings to the west, crossing to a range of godowns.
The Central men placed one jet on the first floor of the rag-cutting
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.