FIRE.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 42, 27 March 1930, Page 8

FIRE.

A splendid demonstration of firefighting was given by the Lower Hutt Volunteer Fixe Brigade when it was called out at about 7.30' on' Friday evening to a fire in "High Street.- The two storey wooden building wflxich was occupied by Messrs" Erskine and Pratt as a boarding establishment, is situated behind a one storey bxick building occupied by Mr J. _W. Newell, plumber, and Mr. J. S. Reid, solicitor. The brigade had a difficult task to combat the fierce flames which lept into the air •from the upper storey and had it not been for the efficient work of the firemen .under Superintendent Slinn there was every likelihood of the fire spreading to other buildings. As only a very light wall divided the rear.of the front prewisie's from the fire both Messxs Newell and Eeid suffered a fair amount of damage, principally by water. The building, which with its entire contents, was completely destroyed, was owned by Mrs Ixeland of Auckland. No. one was at thome at the time of the fire which appeared to start on the gTpund floor.

Being late shopping night, the great crowds neglected their shopping to view the fire, frequently to the inconvenience of tihe brigadesmen, who experienced a good deal of difficulty in carrying out their work amid the throng of people.

A party of Boy Scouts, under their leader, Mr. Mackenzie, were quick to appreciate the position and formed ifliemselves into a guard- by_roping off the street from the engine to the burning building. •..•--.