A FIRE ALARM.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1918, Page 4

A FIRE ALARM.

AT WESTLAND HOSPITAL.

INCIPIENT BLAZE IN MANSON WARD.

Hokitika got a decided fright last evening about, seven o’clock when an alarm of fire came by telephone from Westland Hospital. There was a strong south-westerly gale blowing at- the time and it was known that the hospital was taxed to its utmost with a full complement of serious cases, specially due to the ravages of the influenza opt. domic. The outbreak was first discovered by one of the employees, Miss Shand of Three Mile, who saw smoke coming from the roof of the Manson Ward, the brick wing which is erected on the Southern portion of the block of buildings, and occupied as a male ward, and full of serious cases. The young lady at. once gave the alarm and the staff of women with the nightwardsman, and help of Mr A. Dowell and Langford who were at the institution, at once set to work to get. the hose attached to the water standpipe of the water supply that is attached to the institution. Ladders were secured and they mounted to the roof where a couple of sheets of iron were quickly removed and the water played on the flames which were in the ceiling Between the iron and the tarred felt covering underneath. Luckily {here was a fair water pressure and the fire was promptly got under and extinguished before much damage was done, without the patients being alarmed, the first inkling of danger that the patients in the ward underneath received, being caused by some of the water from the hose finding its way down through the ceiling to the floor .

Meantime the Matron had given the alarm by telephone and immediately the hook carriage was taken out by motor car. The hell rang out a short peal a few minutes after and soon the whole town was agog with the news, which caused much concern until the word was promptly sent down that the Jire Was extinguished and that all danger was over and that the patients had not been disturbed. This news came with great relief to the community, because if the fire bad obtained a strong hold, with such a gale blowing and with such a full complement of patients in such a serious condition a great catastrophe might have resulted.

The Eire Brigade streamed out the road to the Hospital in quick time, but when they arrived at the gates leading to the institution they were informed their services were not required. Deputy-Supt. Davidson who is also a member of the Charitable Aid Board was one of the first to arrive going up in his motor car. Mr J. •). Breeze (Chairman of the Board), and Mr F. Roberts (a member), also were promptly on the scene, while there was a great stream of people along the road till the reassuring news of the five being extinguished came to hand.

The damage done is only small hut it is extremely lucky that the outbreak was discovered at such a time. A few hours lated and the danger would have been of great magnitude, Tliciv arc no fireplaces in Manson Ward which is heated with hot water pipes, and the only apparent cause of the outbreak is that a spark from the kitchen chimney must have lodged under the eaves and gradually broke into flames.