DISASTROUS FIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1925, Page 2

DISASTROUS FIRE.

WESTLAND OPERA lluCSf

COM pi.etely destroy ed

Tbe tilebell rang out- a vigorous alarm this morning at I o’clock. At li lsl it was difficult to locate the outbreak, but then a dense smoke became visible, and a few minutes later l! a lues burst out along the root of the Westland Opera lliiflse in Kevell St. at the voi-ner of Hampden Street. It was at oiuo seen that' the fire had a very strong hold, fire and smoke belching out along tbe whole line of the roof from Tailored Street to Kevell St. Ihe j,-j|-y Brigade were soon mi the spot under Supt. Braddm, and Deputy Williams and a full muster of men. I )no Inm of In se was quickly run out and water began to pour mi. hut there was

S ome few minutes delay in locating •> -winid hydrant box at the corner of Unveil and Hampden Si., and a hydrant box further up Hampden St. had to he utilised. The great hold the tire had now was easily seen and the flames burst through the whole length of the building which was seen to lie dimmed to total destruction. '! be water made very little impression, and it was not long before the stage end and the roof in the centre collapsed with a crash and a great burst of extra (lame and sparks, lighting up the surroundings. Gradually the fire burnt itself out till only the front portion was standing, and that a charred mass. •The alarm was given from the central lire station, and was the first, intimation that the residents in the vicinity bad of the , olhreak. Mr Johnston, the lessee of the Opera House, was in D-d in the cottage adjoining the burnt building and came out in hi- night attire. The Brigade managed to save the cottage alongside, which Hums part of the theatre property. Nothing was saved except the engine and dynamo used for lighting purposes, whbh was in a lean-to (which was not damaged) between the. cot (age and Opera House. The picture projector. a line new machine uiily recently installed was destroyed, together with the new seating accommodation. The start- of the outbreak was apparently at the stage end of the building in a lean-to adjoining the stage where there was.a bricked in copper in which a lire had been burning for some days to dry a piano that had got damp, and from appearances the lire started somewhere in this locality. The piano was included in the destruction. It was seven o’clock before the Brigade bad put mil tbe last of tbe (Ire. and re turned in the station with their gear.

Tbe Westland Opera House was a large wooden building that extended from Hovel! to Tanered Sts. It was erected about 1! years ago by Airs Fitzsimmons, and last year Mr 1. Johnstone leased tbe building and made considerable alterations and improvements at a cost of about £IOOO. Recently there was some litigation in connection with the lease and a fortnight ago tbe place was up for sale by older of Hie Sheriff, in connection with costs involved in the judgment. when payment of the latter was made hv Airs Fitzsimmons, who retained tbe property. The insurances are; (In the building £350. in 1 iiitcd Office, £lsll in Guardian Office. £ 100 in National Ofli'o total £O-70. On liftings and seats £IOO in roiled: mi butcher's sbnp alongside (gutted) £75.