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Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 June 1913, Page 3

A concert is to be held to-night (Friday) in St. Mary's Schoolroom, in aid of tlio Presbyterian Sunday School equipment fund. A varied and interesting programme has been arranged, combining songs, recitations and musical items. A number

or t-lio children arc contributing to the evening's entertainment; also several adults. Admission Las been fixed at the modest sum of Is for adults and Gd for children. A tremendous report, followed by the sound of broken glass and falling debris, was beard at about tliree o'clock on Thursday afternoon on the new promises being erected nest to Whyto's Hotel, says tlio Fox ton Herald. The explosion took place in Mr "Walls' portion of the building which is just about to bo occupied. A. strong smell of escaping gas was noticed by several of tho workmen during the morning, and the gas was turned off at the meter by Mr Walls. The plumbers were endeavouring to locate the leak, which it is thought was caused by a cracked pipe. a match was struck in tho dining-room and almost instantaneously an explosion took place. Tho fan-light over the kitchen door was blown out, sheets of asbestos from the ceilings in tlio large dining-room and kitchen were wrenched off,' and. tho huge plato-glass shop windows were smashed to smithereens. Fortunately, no one was injured, although there were several narrow escapes. Mrs Walls, who was in tlio building, received a severe shock, which completely prostrated her. Tho damage is estimated roughly at between £25 and £30.