Fire Outbreak

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1922, Page 1

Fire Outbreak

IN TOWN 'HALL. UKEYMOCTII, October 11

Ait outbreak' of fire occurred about 2.110 a.m. to-day in the Town Hall. It was heated inside the main entrance Apparently it had .originated in the ticket office alongside the dopr entering the Town Hall. Constable Braider was patrolling in Herbert .St., and at about 2.40 he smelt the smoke; whilst Constable Mu roll, who was pntruling near Tainui Street, also noticed it very soon after. Both mado quickly for the scene. Some of the “Argus” staff then noticed the glare. Meantime Constable Grazier ran to the station and gave the Brigade an alarm; while Constable March forced an entrance to the building. He at once got out the hose, and played a g®od stream of water on the flames, which by then had enveloped the ticket office, ami caused the plaster to fall from the walls. The constable soon had the mastery of the fire, however and when the Brigade arrived, a couple of minutes after getting the alarm, it was almost extinguished. It had got a hold, however, and it was only because there was a good water supply and hosing apparatus handy that a more serious con (lag rat ion was prevented. The Brigade quickly completed the job of quenching the fire. There was not a great deal of damage, done, though the ceiling was much heated, and the plaster will need to he renewed. The ticket office was quite destroyed. Credit is due to the constables who were on duty for their prompt, action on the occasion.