FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1927, Page 2

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

McGHUKIi AND CO S PREMISES DESTROYED. ’ GEHYMOFTH. January 15. The largest lire since the outbreak oil Richmond Quay less than a year ago. occurred last night, involving the total ties) ruction of the premises of .MeG liter's Ltd in Mawliera Quay. When first noticed it seems to havehad a big hold. The alarm was given just before 9 p.m. and the whole of the building was enveloped by about <).L‘, ami the dimensions the lire had assumed were a source of danger to the adjoining premises. A\ hen the rear of' James and Yowarib's shop caught alight , however. more i hall I'l'ev. the file was soon extinguished. The proprietors. fearing that the lire would spread, proceeded to remove their stock, and. with the willing assistance of tbe onlookers, motor cycles, spare parts, and office furniture, were dumped out at the corner of AYerita ami Mackay Streets. Air Marker's shop m Mackay Street, whir'll backs upon McGruer’s, was divided by a twelve foot brick parapet, ami this, with the wind, saved the building from certain destruction. No damage was done. Ashby Ik-rgli and Co. Ltd’s premises next door in Mawliera Quay on tbe western .side also escaped damage by tire, but water got through the roof. The National Hank of New- Zealand, which was in a dangerous position owing to the direction of the wind, had a skylight destroyed. The problem facing the Eire Brigade oil arrival was an ugly one. similar to the difficulties which fires in the same block have on more than one occasion presented. The seat of the fire was in the rear portion of MeGruer’s, which is surrounded by thick two-storey concrete and brick walls, which made the conflagration an immense furnace, and at once demonstrated to ,the eye of the layman that there was not the slightest hope of checking the flames so far as the drapery establishment was concerned. Flames were shooting far above the top, and the heat was most intense, rendering it very painful fb work at the rear of tihe building. The adjoining premises of Marker's bakery and restaurant. James and Yorwnrth's cyclery establishment. Larson’s tinsmith sho]>. and the National Bank, all to the eastward of McCruor’s were endangered, hut the wind was blowing northerly which was fortunate for Marker's. As it was Yorwnrth’s two storey premises caught fire at the top, and the National Bank roof soon been me ignited also. Alter an hour’s fighting the brigade succeeded in making an effectual impression upon the outbreak. Ihe fire gradually hut surely subsided. .At midni'dit it was smouldering slightly. The origin of the fire is unknown Air Brooks, sub-manager for McGruer’s stated that when he locked tin at 5.30 that night, as usual, everything was all right. Afr P. Tliorpy. tile manager, is at present absent at AA elliligton. The insurances upon the building and stocks were unavailable. It is understood. however, that ALGruer's carry their own insurance and re-insnre at Lloyds. London. .Ashby Bcrgh’s stork is insured to the extent of £llOO in Hit- Atlas Office, and is also insured in other offices. The National Bank’s insurance is also with the Atlas, hut the amount could not he ascertained last night. AfcOruor’s stock is estimated to have been worth from £IO.OOO to .£12.000.