FIRES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 28 November 1927, Page 6

FIRES.

BULK STORE AT DARGAVILLE. (Per Pre=s Association). Dargaville, Nov. 28. One of the most disastrous and spectacular fires experienced here occurred on Saturday night at 7 o’clock, when a large bulk store, a brick and iron ' building packed with produce, ironmongery, oils, paints, and groceries, and valued at about £lO,OOO, was almost totally destroyed. The fire was caused by the overturning of a blow-lamp used in connection with an oil engine which generates electricity for the whole premises. The lamp set fire to the engine-room, in the centre of the building, and the flames soon spread to the whole of the store.

The Are brigade was soon on the scene, and had every available lead of hose in play, but owing to the inflammable nature of the goods they had a hard task in subduing the flames. It took three hours before all danger had passed. They were, however, successful in confining the fire to the store room and front shop, which contained several thousand pounds worth of valuable stock, which was* only slightly damaged by water and smoke. The building and contents were insured in the New Zealand Insurance Co., but the total amount .is not available. It is estimated that the loss above insurances amounts to fully £2OOO. The owner and occupant was the Wairoa Stores, Limited, the largest general store in the district.