GARAGE AND RENTAL CARS BURNED

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24901, 14 June 1946, Page 8

GARAGE AND RENTAL CARS BURNED

SERVICEMAN ABOUT TO OPEN BUSINESS (P.A.) BLENHEIM, June 13. The premises and vehicles of Blenheim Rental Cars, Ltd., were completely destroyed by fire at midnight last night. A returned soldier, Mr P. Meikle, formerly of Wellington, had established the business in a building near the centre of the town, known as McKenzie’s Stables, practically surrounded by high brick and concrete walls. He was about to commence business. 4 The fire was virtually inaccessible to the fire brigade, and the flames made a clean sweep. The loss included two new light saloon cars and one second-hand heavy sedan car worth a total of £l6OO and insured for £1350,. Although hampered by the location, the fire brigade saved the adjoining shops of Messrs B. C. Smith, a tailor, and J. W. Bethell, a confectioner, which sustained some damage at the rear. GARAGE DESTROYED AT AWANUI (P.A.) WHANGAREI, June 13. An early morning fire at Awanui destroyed a big garage. The damage was £6OOO, including a large quantity of recently-installed plant. The fire brigade ran out 1600 feet of hose and pumped water from the river. This saved the adjoining building and prevented the threatened destruction of the town.