A SERIOUS FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1930, Page 5

A SERIOUS FIRE

(By Telegraph--Press Association).

BLENHEIM, Feb. 23.

While, half the population of Havelock were visiting the Blenheim air paegant, the Masonic Hotel, a large two-storey building, was burnt to the ground. Two shops on the opposite side of the street caught fire, and their fronts were considerably damaged. The telegraph lines between Havelock and Nelson were brought down, also one of the power lines. Men were hurriedly despatched to make repairs. Further details are not available.

FURTHER PARTICULARS

BLENHEIM, Feb, 24

The Masonic Hotel of Havelock,which was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday, was a wooden building of eighteen rooms, owner by the ATarlhorongh Brewery Coy., and insured for £ISOO in the. Queensland Office Coy. There was also a cover of £3OO on the furniture in the Phoenix Office. The licensee was T. R. Shunford. There were insurances for £273 in the Commercial Union, and £l7O in the Norwich Union on the stock in the trade and other contents. The entire contents, including boarders effects, books, etc., destroyed. Opposite the hotel the premises of E. Howard Smith, general store, was badlv damaged by fire, smoke and water. This building was owned by Brownlee and Co., of Wellington, and was insured for £IOO3 in the Commercial Union. Smith laid a cover in the same office for £2125 on the stock in his premises. S. C. Dilrew, baker, and AY. H. Orsman, store, sustained minor damage. The origin is unknown.