GARAGE FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1926, Page 1

GARAGE FIRE

FURTHER DETAILS. GREYMOUTH, April 22. The smouldering ruins of the back portion of Schacf’s garage and of tho house occupied by Air AVm C. 11. Hill, presented a desolate appearance yesterday morning, the wrecks of twelve motor cars appearing from the midst of smoking beams and twisted roofing iron, while some shrivelled bedsteads and an iron stove were practically all that was recognisable in the adjoining residence. Tt is understood that Messrs Schaef will he very heavy losers as a result of the fire. The total value of their property destroyed in the garage was approximately £l,lOO, the portion of the workshop and garage destroyed being valued at £3OO, together with throe motor cars and three chassis of a total value of £6OO, while plant and motor fittings destroyed wore valued at a further £2OO. There was no insurance on tho building or cars destroyed, but the fittings wore insured with Hie British Trading Coy. for £7OO. It is, however, doubtful whether tho insurance on .the fittings will cover all the fittings destroyed by the fire, as these, it' is stated, were not all in the part of the building specified in the policy. In addition to tho cars mentioned, which belonged to Messrs Schaef, eight other cars were practically destroyed. The owners of those vehicles are Mr Joseph ArcCabe, of Cobden (Chevrolet) •Mr F. Higgins, Cobden; Air Davis, Blackball; Mr A. R. Mrfnroc, Ikamatua ; Air John Martin Houlahan, late of the Rapahoe Hotel (Buick Coupe); Air Woods, Westport; General Motors, Grey mouth; and Air S. Southam. Greymouth (Essex). The cars destroyed included a new Oldsmohilo and a now Chevrolet, a Chevrolet once used, a Chevrolet racer, an Essex, two Fords, a Caltliorpe and one other. In addition the garage stock of springs, gears and heavy oar parts, batteries, magnetos, and the whole of the garage machinery and tools were lost. Nq particulars as to the insurances on the' cars arc at present available. When willing hands first broke into the front of the garage their movements were somewhat hampered by the presence of TTalin’s now motor bus. which was close to the doorway and impeded the opening of the door while some seconds were lost before a person who understood the vehicle was able to back it out. Once this vehicle was removed. however, the work of removing the other vehicles from danger was comparatively easy. Some anxiety was felt for the safely of the remainder of the building ns a- large quantity of benzine was stored in a concrete storeroom ; but fortunately this withstood tho heat. Some quantities of valuable castor oil. which was stored near the demolished end of the building, added to the flames, hut most of the fourteen barrels of the oil was saved. Two of the petrol tanks of the cars exploded with loud reports, causing the helpers and firemen to retire for a short time for fear of a larger explosion.

The dwelling house on the north side ,of the garage in which the fire originated. was one of five rooms, owned bv Mr Guido Schaef, and occupied by his head mechanic, Mr AY. C. 11. Hill. The house was valued at £250, and was insured in the Phoenix Office for £75. The furniture and effects wore totally destroyed, and were valued at £350; while a piano, valued at £95, was also destroyed. The former were insured for £250 in tho New Zealand Insurance Coy’s Office and the latter for £75 in the same office. Mr Hill will he a. very heavy loser, having been unable to save any personal effects from the flames, which had a fierce hold when discovered, and having also lost valuable tools. The cause of the outbreak remains a mvstcry.