FIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1927, Page 1

FIRES

[liY TELEGRAPH—PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.,

CHORAL HALL GUTTED. DUNEDIN, Alarc-li XG. A big blaze occurred in the city tonight after 7.80, while the streets were still thronged with people who liad turned out on the occasion of the visit or the Duke of York. The old Choral Hall, an ancient landmark, in Aloray Place, was completely gutted. The building was occupied for some time, as a clothing and robe factory by Bub terworlh Bros., the under floors being occupied by K. B. Francis and Co., land agents. The Fire Brigade we reearly on the scene, and quickly had four loads going iiilo the body of the building. For some time, however, they made little impression on the fire, the flames bursting through the corrugated roof and lighting up the city. Two more leafds were then got in, and worked on to the roof. The lead on the huge extension ladder suffered from lack of pressure, and it was some time before the second load on the roof was a Die to pour in water. At about 8.20, the deluge of water had gained the mastery, leaving the inside of the building a gutted, smouldering mess. The building was owned by the trustees of the Taylor Estate, and is insured in the Standard Ofiiee for £2OOO.

The contents of Butterwortli’s factory were insured in the Commercial Union, but the amount is not ascertainable to-night.

FAMILY’S NAM MOW ESCAPE. NELSON, .March 16

A fire last night partially destroyed a dwelling , house, occupied by Air M. A. 11. Finlay. Air Finlay, his wife anil three children were asleep in the house when Airs Finlay woke up, just before one o’clock this morning, to find the place ill flames. She immediately called the others, and they had just time to scramble out with whatever clothes they could snatch up. An alarm was given, and the Eire Brigade Mas quickly on ihe scene. Luckily no wind was blowing, and this, combined with an excellent water pressure, gave the Brigade every assistance. The rear portion of the house was gutted, but the two front rooms are almost intact. The occupants had all their personal destroyed. The building was owned by the Public Trustee, as executor of Hie estate of Airs Ellis, deceased. 11 was insured in the State Eire Office for £SOO. Air Finlay had hut c 1 At) insurance on his personal effects. About midnight last night, fire was discovered in the cool store department of the Stoke Freezing Works. Fortunately the night attendant discovered the outbreak before it had obtained a very strong hold. A lire hose which is kept in readiness was quickly put into use, while assistance was summoned. The damage done was not very great, the woodwork mostly suffering. 'Hie running of the works will not he hindered by the lire. There was no fruit in the cool store at the

AUCKLAND FIRE. AUCKLAND. March 1G

Tlie fire brigade received an early call this morning when a fire broke out in premises occupied by Thos. Bailey, painter and paperhanger, at 37 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. Although

the brigade was early on the scene, extensive damage was done before the fire eould he got under control. The building was a two-storeyed one. owned by IT. Phillips, of St Heliers’ Hay, and occupied by Hailey. The upper storey was used as a dwelling interior, and the contents were insured for £2IOO with the Victoria Insurance Co. ltd., but the insurance on the buildings is not known. TAT? TANK EXPLODES. GISBORNE, March 10. About five o’clock this evening a tank of tar with which a gang of men were engaged repairing streets in Tolaga Bay. exploded, and four men were injured, two being removed to the Tolnga Bay Hospital. One man, Tlieo. Povnter, was badly burned on the hands, head, shoulders and chest, and William Prince was burned on the hands and fare. The other two sustained minor injuries. Neither mail in the hospital is in a serious condition.