THE HEMILTON FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1922, Page 4

THE HEMILTON FIRE

FURTHER PARTICULARS

HAMILTON, April 3

At the time of the outbreak there were 25 boarders, including five women. Tiie hotel staff occupied the rear of the premises.

BLOCK OF THE NIGHT PORTER. The origin of the fire is a mystery, but it apparently started in the kitchen at the rear of the building. The night porter (Mr J. Masterton) was coining from upstairs when he saw the glaie of the fire. He rushed to the telephone to summon the brigade, but changed his mind and decided to rouse the inmates. With commendable pluck he rushed from room to room, calling out to the occupants, and in some instances pulling them out of bed. By this time practically the whole building was on fire, the flames soaring up to a tremendous height, while the heat was intense. The boarders who bad been aroused in most cases found it impossible to escape by the stairs, and bad to use the fire escape. Some were clad in night attire only, while others had been able to snatch some scanty clothing before making their hurried departure. The licensee (Air McKenzie) was aroused by an employee, and made his way to the office. He was Tumble to secure valuables and money from the safe. BRAVE MAN’S DEATH.

The greatest heroism was shown by Mr Moore-Jones. He made his way to safety on the verandah, and then, although clad only in pyjamas and a light coat, he rushed back again ami was seen guiding the ladies to the tire escape. This accomplished, he managed to reach the verandah of the adjoining premises, where he remained appaientlv dazed. Constable Roxburgh called to him to come down the fire escape, but he remained where he was, and the constable had to go up and place a rope under his arms and assist him to descend the escape. His clothing was hanging in shreds, while his head, hands and body wore badly burned. He was taken to the hospital where death occurred early this afternoon. WOMEN USE FIRE ESCAPE.

Mr J. A. Ross, an Australian traveller, was in a room above the- kitchen. He heard the crashing of glass and had just time to seize a few belongings, when the flames came through his window. Finding the stairs ablaze he rushed to beneath the front balcony. Here he stood directing the women not to jump, but to use the fire escape. He saw Mr Moore-Jones there, assisting the hoarders, and later saw him go inside the blazing building. Alter a time Mr Moore-Jones reappeared at the other end of the building and got on to the verandah. Mr Ross said he could not speak too highly of the action of Mr Moore-Jones; his gallantry was responsible for many lives being saved.

GOOD WORK OF FIRE BRIGADE. By dint of strenuous exertions, after over an hour’s work, the fire brigad? was successful in stopping the fire from spreading to the north end of the hotel, and members of the Brigade were able to gain an entrance to the upper floor. It was then that the badlv-eharred body of a man was found in the passage way. The features were quite unrecognisable and only fragments of clothing remained on the bodv.

Fortunately very little wind was blowing, or the premises adjoining and facing the hotel would certainly have been destroyed. As it was the shops facing the hotel were scorched and water had to be played upon them. The Brigade finally got the outbreak under control at a little after G a.m. The only portions of the hotel then standing were the staff’s quarters, which were detached from the main building, two store-rooms, and the laundry. HOT WATER SYSTEM EXPLODES. When the fire was at its height the hot water system exploded with a deafening roar, which was heard a considerable distance away, and pieces of iron piping were hurled into the air. One large piece fell through the roof of an office opposite. The sparks set fire to a tank cover at the rear of the Savoy Tea-rooms, and also to some towels at the back of the Oceanic Restaurant, but these incipient outbreaks were quelled without the aid of the Fire Brigade. Telephone and telegraph wires were burned, over 100 subscribers being affected. Prompt work by the Telegraph Department restored the service by midday.

HEAVY LOSSES. The hotel contained an exceptionally large stock', one cellar alone having in it liquor valued at over £IOOO. A number of boarders lost considerable personal effects and money. In one case a honeymoon couple’s loss ran into £IOO, while other monetary losses of £3O and £25 are reported. THE MISSING TRAVELLER.

Owing to the hotel books being burned and the dispersal of the guests, it was difficult to ascertain who was saved, hut it is considered certain that the charred remains are those of Mr O’Moore. He had intended to go to Te Aroha to-day, but no word of him was received then*.

Miss Nellie Wood, who cannot be accounted for, was employed as a housemaid. She is 32 years of age and a native of Ayrshire. She had no relatives living. Previously she worked in the Grand Hotel, Auckland, and had been employed in Hamilton for about a month. Her only friend in Hamilton expressed the opinion that if she had escaped she would have gone to him immediately. The insurances are as follows: — Building and fittings £9600, stock and furniture £4360, divided between the United and Commercial companie*.