FIRE IN TOWER OF CHURCH

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 21

FIRE IN TOWER OF CHURCH

BUILDING SAVED PROM DESTRUCTION

QUICK ACTION OF BRIGADE ' AT GERALDINE

[THE PRESS Special Service.]

GERALDINE, September 15,

. The destruction of the Geraldine Presbyterian Church by fire was saved by* the quick'action of the Geraldine Volunteer Fire Brigade shortly after midday to-day. A spark from a rubbish fire ignited a high macrocarpa hedge beside the church, and, in a few seconds the fire was out of control. Birds’ nests in the tower of, the church caught,aligbt and sparks ignited various parts of the church, which is an ,old wooden building. The brigade, led by Superintendent C. C. Knight, was soon on the scene, and in spite of the difficulty of directing the water on the burning eaves high up jn the tower, they made a good save. As there were no fire plugs near the church it was necessary to run a very long leaf! of hose from the main street. In the first few. minutes two hoses biirst, but these were quickly replaced by sound ones. The greatest damage to the church was that caused by water. In the early stages of the fire willing helpers quickly removed the church organ and other fittings. The Church was insured for £SOO and the contents; for £IOO in the Presbyterian Church Insurance. Fund. No examination of the tower has bOen made yet, but it may be found necessary to dismantle it.