FIRE AT TAKAKA.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1926, Page 3

FIRE AT TAKAKA.

HALF THE TOWN BURNT. [by TELECRArn —ri ll PRESS ASSOCIATION. TAKAKA, Feb. 21. At an early hour this morning Taknkn experienced tF-e biggest fire in its history. It commenced in A. E. Manner’s drapery shop and spread to Emms' .stables, recently purchased by Mr Rod Newman (lately of Hokitika), bis billiard saloon, A. F. Lewis’ butcher shop and the court-house. Then came the Fire Brigade station which was demolished with axes by the Brigade and public, and tho roof was used against J. B. Beattie's tobacconist building. Tbe adjoining space was cleared and Ibis prevented the further spread. On the opposite sldis of the street the Junction Hotel was badly scorched, ft actually caught in places and tho llaii)i?s were subdued by the Use of a band hose. Shops adjoining owned -by Misses Edger and Daisy Goodwin, also bad their fronts badly scorched. A strong room in the Court is intact. A fair breeze was blowing from Die south. Mad not the lire been chocked by the demolition of ilie lire station, it is considered almost certain it would have swept, most of the town on both sides of the road Th? Brigade had little water and the services in that direction were quite inadequate.