A BIG BLAZE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1920, Page 3

A BIG BLAZE.

FIRE AT . GREYMOUTH. ( “ARGUS” OFFICE GUTTED. I VEIt PUKWR ASSOCIATION.— COrVKIOHT.j GREYMOUTH, This Day The “Grey River Argus” ‘office in Muckay street, a large two-storied wooden building, was gutted by fire at 10 o’clock this morning. . The fire originated in the storeroom, and it had a good hold when the Fire Brigade arrived. Great volumes of fire and flames enveloped the building, and there was soon a great crowd of spectators.

The Fire Brigade, working smartly, soon had a fine stream of water playing on the building, and were able to ' save the building from total destruction. i The paper, books and moveable parts ' of the machinery were saved. Great damage was done by fire and water. The “Grey River Argus*” was recently purchased by the Labour Party. further PARTICULARS.

By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian GREYMOUTH, This Day. The “Grey River Argus” was prac-.. tieally destroyed by fire at about 9.10 this morning. At times huge columns of smoke rolled away and great flames escaped from the various portions of 'the.' burning building, and' for ovo: half an hour the whole vicinity was darkened by a dense smoke and fumes. Up to the present, the damage cannot

be estimated with any degree of accuracy, but the insurance of £3,500 on tlie stock and plant is not expected io compensate the company for the 10-: sustained. | The origin of the outbreak is stated to have been due to a- small gas engine near the rear of the building and in close proximity to Turumaha street. The alarm was given by a linotype I operator who noticed that his machine was running slack. The firebell at J main station was immediately rung : ’id the brigade were smartly in the scene. | The old wooden building assisted the , flames, which had a good hold, whi.-;: roared up the side. Three jets from | a. hydrant in Mackay Street were plav | ed on the burning framework, hut owing to the necessity for three jets, the pressure was not so great as migur have been desired. The right large

window beside the main entrance was smashed to pieces and rolls of paper were rolled into Mackay Street. All important papers and documents were saved. i Although the building is practically destroyed, thanks to the splendid <■": forts of the Volunteer Eire Brigah* the adjoining buddings were saved. .At one time firemen on the roof »\f the verandah were in imminent danger owing to falling timber from the turrat ! above them which was blazing furiouslv. -As fast as the water was played on ■ one part, the flames broke out in i»r■- !

outer aiiu I'uvt'iuptiu cwr j the far side, which is built of roll, i When the fire was at its height, the flames licked through the crevices in _ the wall and the timber began to warn with the heat. As they increased in volume, the tongues of flame ‘ssued , from unexpected places whilst demo . clouds of smoke curled along under the i eaves of the building, and poured n thick clouds from the windows and openings made by the flames, ; Although the extent of the damage is not definitely known, it is not considered that the linotypes, and the flat ; hpd rotary are very extensively damaged. by fire. Tlie heat was sufficient to melt •! e roller composition on the rollers of the printing machine. After about an hour’s strenuous work by the brigade the conflagration was under entire control. The framework still stands practically intact. j