FIRE AT GREYMOUTH.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 November 1919, Page 1

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH.

SMART BRIGADE WORK

Shortly after five o’clock last evening, says the Grey “Argus” when people were on tlicir way home from work, these in the vicinity of Tainui Street, were startled by the screams of . some womenfolk crying out “Fire.” It was soon evident that something serious was happening in a small cottage that is sandwiched in between the Druids Hall and Kemps fancy goods shop. On further investigation it was found that the occupier of the cottage, a man named Reid was in the act of boiling seme tar in ti- kerosene tin on th c fire when it boiled over and almost immediately the kitchen was a mass of flames. Some willing helpers managed to save the contents of the two front rooms, but it was almost impossible to do anything, through the thick blade smoke which the tar was giving off. A telephone happened to be in the house and thp brigade was rung up, and within the space of a couple of. minutes the new fire fighting^machine arid the members of the Brigade appeared on the scene. The Brigade soon got to work, and what looked to he an ugly business, was knocked out in a short time. The Brigade not only saved the adjoining buildings without any damage but also saved the structure that was on fire. Of course all the remaining contents of the dwelling were destroyed. The i s the first rail the Brigade has had since the arrival of the new chemical motor fire engine a fortnight ago, and the way they acquitted themselves under the new conditions was a credit indeed. They are an efficient body, no doubt, and were congratulated on all sides for their smartness in being on the scene, as well as the way they handled what might have been a sweeping fire, for there was hardly a foot of space between no less than a dozen buildings and the outbreak was right in the centre of tlie block. Th c building is owned by Mr Clement Parfitt, storekeeper, and was occupied by Mr Reid (bricklayer) and bis j family. ■ j