FIRE AT BLACKBALL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1926, Page 2

FIRE AT BLACKBALL

MANORS HALL DESTROYED

GREYMOUTH, Sept. 13,

A fire took place at Blackball oil Sunday night about 9.30 o’clock which completely destroyed Mundl’s Hal, a large structure in the main street, 'ine hall, which was worth between £lo!:;) and £I7OO had not been in use during the day. Between 9.30 and 9.45 p.m. the fire began in the rear portion By what means it started is a mystery. The flames spread rapidly over the structure, which was in about half an hour reduced to ashes. There is no water supply in the town and when the buildings on either side began to he scorched, it was ieared they would go also. On one side was Campbell’s Hotel, at a distance of about 30 feet from the luill, and on the. other side was Kinsella’s Hotel, slightly further away. The residents, however, joined al.I and sundry in a volunteer bucket brigade, and with the aid of wet blankets they prevented either hotel from taking fire, though the walls of both, and particularly of Campliell’s Hotel, were damaged a good deal by the scorching.

The hull, belonging to the Mantl! (Hokitika) estate is believed to have been insured by the owners to the extent of about £looo,' which will not cover the loss on the building. Mr Thomas Moore who has used Mandi’s Hall for picture exhibitions, will lose to the.extent of about £2OO. as the shed at the rear contained his dynamo and Tangyc oil engine, - while the firm had their pi ojecting machine in the hall, together with the Saturday night programme of films, and possibly another reel or two of film. It is understood this was not- insured.