FIRE AT RACECOURSE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1928, Page 2

FIRE AT RACECOURSE

TWO STANDS DESTROYED. A destructive fire was discovered in progress at the Hokitika Racecourse about 1.30 o’clock yesterday morning. The fire was first noticed by a passerby who motored to the Sale Street station and gave the alarm by the bell. This was taken up by the main station, ajnd the Brigade was soon in motion. The course is on the outskirts of the town and reels were taken to the east end of Hampden Street, where there is a fire plug, the nearest to the buildings on the course. The Brigade turned out in good forte smartly and was under DeputySuperintendent Ross, in the absence of Superintendent Mclntosh, out of town. Those who reached the scene of the lire first, found the main grandstand, a very commodious structure which seated six hundred people, enveloped in flames. It was apparent that the fire had the complete mastery of the building and contents, and nothing could he saved. The Stewards Stand closely adjacent to the main stand, was soon in the grip of the fire, the-easterly wind carrying the flames across the narrow gap separating the two structures. Tho earliest arrivals on the scene broke into the weighing room, and portion of the jockey’s scales, some number cloths, a picture, one chair, and a few sundries of little value, were all that could he rescued before this building was also enveloped in the fury of the fire. The Brigade was able to get one lead of hose on to the fire, but this was of no use in combating the dense fire now enveloping the stands. The water was serviceable as a cheek to save the Totalisator house, and was also used to save the judge’s box. and |K>rtion of the new fencing erected in connection with the recent widening of the straight. The picket fence surrounding the bird cage.was also saved. and an effort, partially successful, was made to save the adjacent plantation of trees forming the drive into the course. For the rest, the Brigade had to he content to see the two fine stands burn down, and so fierce was the conflagration that in the end nothing of the stands remained excepting the crumpled iron and iron-work. With the destruction of the fine main stand, one of the best on a country racecourse, went also the refreshment rooms and kitchen, together with all the crockery and utensils for catering for the public at the large gatherings at the race meetings, including tables, chairs and other furniture, as well as some interesting sporting pictures. The caretaker s too! shed was at tho rear of the stand and this too was totally destroyed, including tin dray, horse harness, and a large quantity of material for general repairs and upkeep. A stock of second hand iron to have been used in enlarging tlie kitchen was also consumed by the fire. In connection with the main stand, was also the soft drinks bar, sweets stall and ambulance room with all fittings. These necessary adjuncts to a well found racecourse, were alike a prey to the spreading fire. The Stewards stand which also included the jockeys quarters, press room, etc., on the ground floor, with luncheon room and kitchenette upstairs. stocked with supplies for catering. was totally burned, only the few articles mentioned above being saved with difficulty by tlie very early arrivals. Some valuable Club photographs were also lost in the fire. When tho fire was dying down foi want of further fuel, a very desolate scene was presented. Where the two buildings stood, there remained only the burning embers. In the daylight yesterday, when many people revisited the scene, the spectacle was even more desolate and depressing.

The loss to the M estland Racing Club will he a very considerable one. The buildings on the course were insured for £3OOO, the sum assured having lieen increased about throe and aliiilf years ago. The buildings anil contents totally destroyed were insured for £1875. The main stand had a cover of £llsO on the building, with £125 on contents. The stewards’ stand had a cover of £SOO, with £IOO oil the contents. The buildings and contents were a value to the Club for fully £5,000. The insurance companies concerned in the risks arc the Royal Exchange, Queensland, Northern, and Guardian Companies.

Nothing has been elicited as to the cause of the fire. Every care was taken always against fire, and in the main stand, where the outbreak started, there has been no fire since the Easter race meeting. The caretaker (Mr 0. Fowler) has been a very trusted and careful employee. He left the course at one o’clock on Saturday afternoon, and of course there was nothing untoward to be seen. The Secretary (Mr Evans) paid the usual visit to the course later in the afternoon, and spent some time on the grounds, including an inspection right round the course. There was nothing visible to cause alarm, and nothing to suggest danger.

The loss to the Club, it will be seen by the figures given above, is very considerable, and it is understood a meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday evening to consider the position. The appointments were in excellent order, and with the recently widened straight, the Club was looking forward to a good year this season, but the ill-luck experienced damps those hopes. The Club has a large outside stand still intact, and more use may he made of that in future. It will be necessary to provide administrative quarters, but any building programme will necessarily be limited, as the December race meeing is mot very far away. It is probable, also, that the annual meeting of the Club will be held a month earlier, and the whole position placed liefore members before any definite policy for the future is decided upon.

The officials of the Club have been the recipients of many messages from various quarters, sympathising with the Club in the disastrous loss which has occured. Naturally the kindness shown and sympathy expressed is very much appreciated, and indicates that the fortunes of the Club are very much in the minds of the public.