What might have been a most disastrous fire broke out on Tuesday morning at the factory of Messrs W Green and Son, situate at the junction of Cromwell Road and Queen Street. It was soon after 8 o’clock, just as the workmen had left for breakfast, that smoke was noticed issuing from the top storey. The doors were immediately opened, and a large number of helpers were soon engaged in pouring water from the fire buckets on to the burning leather and skins. After a few minutes of energetic work the flames were got under. The firemen present were Fireman H Staniland, Claud Green, and Secretary G R Turner, and they rendered valuable assistance. It was not considered necessary to use the hose. Mystery shrouds the origin of the fire, but damage to the extent of about £150 was done. It is terrible to contemplate what would have happened had the discovery of the outbreak not been made a promptly as it was. The floor was burnt through, several bundles of leather were destroyed, and the woodwork protecting the stairs was almost burned through. Over 150 men are employed by the firm. Had the fire obtained a hold it would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have subdued it.