FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE

Chronicle (Levin), 25 June 1947, Page 6

FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE

— -press Association

Bv Telearaph ■

CHRISTCHURCH, June 24. Fire destroyed a large brick garage owned by Crombie Brothers at Rakaia, about 6 o'clock this evening, leaving only the yvalls standing. Four motor cars, two* half-ton t-rucks, oue traetor and a large quantity of stores, plant and machinery, were burnt and only a few new tyres were saved. Although the building, stock aud .plant were insured, the owners suffrered a heavy loss. The area of the garage was about 4300 square feet. When the garage had closed for the day at 5.30 p.m., there was no sign of fire but about a quarter of an hour later the building was well alight. The Rakaia V olunteer Fire Brigade worked hard to reduce the damage but the outbreak had too great'" a hold and after the roof caved in the building was practically gutt&d. A billiard salo'oii which is a wooden building adjoining the garage, and a toy and furniture factory nearby were saved. The Ashburton County Council's fire fighting unit and one of the Christchurch Fire Brigade 's engines were called to the fire but arrived when the. fire .was almost under control.