FIRES.

Grey River Argus, 2 March 1927, Page 4

FIRES.

RECORD NUMBER FOR WELLINGTON. 98 LAST MONTH. WELLINGTON, March 1. lebruary was a record month for fires, no fewer than 98 outbreaks occuring in Wellington in 28 days. No such number has been reached here for the last 12 or 15 years. Apart from these 98, many false alarms were given. An exciting fire occurred in the A.B.U Buildings, Lambton Quay, at 8.40 this morning, when two thousand feet ot cinematograph film was being packed by two employees of Mackenzie, contractor for printing and publicity departments. When the film burst into flame, the other occupants of the building were greatly alarmed. TMiirty girls got out without difficulty, but the caretaker’s wife had to seek the roof until the goods lift at the back was sent up to rescue her. Fortunately, however, Yhost of the film was stored in the strong room, otherwise the brigade might have been defied. The flames spread to the titling room, destroying books, 6000 ft. of film comprising morning programme, a cinema machine valued at £350, and titling gear worth / £45. The damage to the building was not | great.