FIRE AT GREY.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1926, Page 1

FIRE AT GREY.

TYMONS’ PREMISES. DAMAGED GREYMOUTH, Juno *2. Kira which broke out in the sample rooms at the rear of Messrs Tymons’ drapery sliojj in Mawliera Quay at about half-past ten last night did considerable damage to the building and stock before it was suppressed. The alarm was given on the Central lirehell at 10.25 p.lll. and in a remarkably short time the Brigade were on the scene and had run a. lead of hose from Mackay Street, through the alleyway adjoining Mr IV. Scott’s premises, „to the scene of the fire. The seat of the outbreak appeared to be located in No. 4 sample room at the rear of Tymons’ shop; hut so quick was tl'.e spread of flames that almost before the Brigade had entered Line building the flames wore bursting out through the roof. A lead of hose was run out in Mawhera Quay, and the front door of the shop was forced open, the firemen entering the building and endeavoured to reach the sent of tbs fire which bad spread along the room." Ladders wore produced and leads of hose were canned up on to the parapet in live front of the building, and also on to the roof of Parkinson’s shop whence water was played on the flames. At about 10. In portion of the coiling of Tymons’ shop fell in, smothering the goods displayed in the shop in charred and smouldering wreckage The volumes of water now being pumped into the building from three points began to have some effect on the flames which shortly afterwards died down. By eleven o’clock the flames were under control. The Brigade are to be commended on their splendid work. Although the fire had a big hold on their arrival they lost no getting to work, and there can he no donbt that their promptitude was the means of saving the large blocks of buildings in the centre of which Tymons’ is situated. The firemen took risks with an air of everyday occurrence, and Superintendent Deere is to he complimented on the promptitude of his men in carrying out instructions. Tn the early stages of the fire some anxiety was felt that the easterly wind | which was blowing would spread the fire through the block to the Dominion Hotel, hut the smart work of thebrigade prevented this. The dense smoke hung like a Jieavy fog in Tainui Street, and Mawhera Quay, being so thick that it was impossible to see six feet- abend of one. Tbo large crowd that gathered to witness the spectacle were forced to stand to the windward of the conflagration to avoid being choked, while the firemen had to use electric torches to find their way through the suffocating haze. Mr A. Tymons is at present absent from Greymonth, and last night it was impossible to ge't accurate details as to the extent of the damage, or particulars of the insurance. However, it is anticipated the loss of stock alone will bo heavy.