FIRE AT COBDEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1924, Page 2

FIRE AT COBDEN.

llAllN’S LORRY AND GARAGf

DESTROYED

A serious outbreak of tire occurred last night at C'obdon in lox Shreet. behind the Police Station, by which the large motor lorry and garage belonging to .Mr Harry Hahn were destroyed completely, and from which an adjoining house escaped narrowly. Ihe lire was first observed about a quarter past ten, and by the time that the Cobdeii Fire Brigade and residents had arrived in force on the scene, the flames were leaping up to a considerable height, lighting up the countryside far and wide. It was seen that the garage was doomed, so the fire fighters concentrated their efforts upon saving the adjoining place, the residence of Mr H. Excell, who with his wife and family happen at present to he away on holiday. Mr Hahn, owner of the garage, was also absent at Reel ton. Buckets and other expedients were at first used to convey water, as it was difficult to get the manual engine into a handy position, and no less than 500 feet of hose was needed. The presence in the garage ot a couple <o* three tins of benzine increased the lire, and water had to he played b’ l some time on Excell s place ere it u.iout of danger. The Brigade did well to save it with only a scorching, though it caught alight a few time-.