FIRE IN CITY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 227, 20 June 1921, Page 4

FIRE IN CITY

GREAT DAMAGE AVERTED

PROMPT ACTION BY THE BRIGADE A fire, that caused only moderate damage, but that might have had veryserious consequences, occurred shortly after 2 nan. yesterday in two-storied wooden premises, at 88 Customhouse Quay. The brigade turned out from tho Central Station, and confined" the outbreak to the top story, after making a good "save." The building was occupied, on the top floor, by Air. J. Jacobus, tailor, and "The Sonia Salon,” a dressmaking establishment, which was destroyed.

The impending danger lay- in ihe presence, on the ground floor, of kinematograph films to the approximate value of .£20,000, the property of the Universal Film Company, whose offices occupy a large portion of the floor, the other tenants being Afessrs. AVilson and Alarris, and Alessis. Pearson and Co. The films were packed in a concrete vault. On learning of the tire, the manager of the Universal Film Company (Air. E. O. Gurney) went io the office, and, despite the discomfort of snfoke and water, which were pouring into his premises from tho upper floor, succeeded in removing the reels of film. He explained that, when heated, films emitted vapours which were highly inflammable, and from three experiences of film fires that he had undergone in America and Canada, lie realised ihe danger of allowing the films to remain in the heated atmosphere. Mr. Gurney, in conversation with a Dominion- reporter wbo was at the fire, said that he desired to pay a tribute to the AVellington Fire Brigade for its efficient: work, which lie had not: seen equalled in America. Tim brigade minimised the damage to the downstairs premises. laying on the waler in a most careful manner. Tim building stands next to tho 1 ler Hotel. and some of firn hotel gnosis, alarmed by the el-e nroximitv of the outbreak commenced to pack their belongings until satisfied Hat there wax po danger. It is understood llmt the building is owned by the A.AI J . Society.