DISASTROUS FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1926, Page 3

DISASTROUS FIRE

(SPREADS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS

EIGHT WATROA SHOPS DESTKOY-

[llY TELEORAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

WAIROA, Feb. 9.

Early this morning Wairoa again experienced a disastrous fire, which broke out in the business portion of tho Murine Parade, near the traffic bridge, completely destroying Storey’s (auction mart) and spreading in both directions along the parade until tho following premises went up in smoke:— M. Stairman (bootmaker), Howell (confectioner), Ressemlen and Co. (butchers) , Noble and Co. (saddlers). R. Dighton (hairdresser), Electric Power Board (show room), and E. Balfour (cycle importer). Practically nothing was saved.

The fire was stopped before reaching Potham’s County Garage, with difficulty, by the strenuous efforts of a willing hand of helpers, while the brick walls and a right of way fortunately prevented the fire spreading further along the parade in the opposite direction.

Storey’s inart building belonged to the late Mr P. Wilson’s estate and Stairmand’s shop to Mr J). Wilson. The rest of the premises were owned bv .J. Mays. The loss is considerably above the insurances, which are not available. The fire occurred practically on the anniversary of last, year's lug blaze, which resulted in over a dozen business premises being wiped out. The Borough water supply is nearly completed, but was not yet available.

A Fire Board was recently formed, but no fire fighting equipment was provided. The spectators were helpless, their efforts being confined to such work as a small bucket brigade is able to do. Tho origin of the fire is unknown.