BIG NAPIER BLAZE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1929, Page 5

BIG NAPIER BLAZE

P-RESBYTERIAN CHURCH, j By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] NAPIER, April 5. St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church was almost completely destroyed by a disastrous fire to-night, which ragea for over two hours. The structure was a large wooden building, with a steeple and a bell tower. It was one of the oldest m Napier, having been erected in 1801. With the church went the pipe organ, one of the best instruments of its kind in New Zealand. It was valued at about £2OOO, apart from its case oi choice kauri. The building, which was of kauri, burnt like tinder. The seat of the fire was near the organ, and tho flames swept through, aided by a strong draught, till they reached the steeple. Within half an hour, the flames had wrapped round it, and at one stage there was a danger that it would collapse. By strenuous efforts the firemen prevented this, but they were unable to stay the fire’s progress elsewhere. When after two hours and a-lialf the flames had been forced down, nothing was left but the shell—a shadow of what had once been a majestic church. The Sunday Sellout, which stood only a few yards from the main,’.building, was early made (secure, and it.escaped undamaged. - :.u- ' v;. . ' • From the church, nothing-was saved beyond a few valuable pictures out of the vestry, and several "books \ The insurances'are not ascertainable at present. , . t :