DISASTROUS FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1930, Page 5

DISASTROUS FIRE

LARGE BUILDING DESTROYED

(By Telegraph—Press Association).

GORE, April 7.

A disastrous fire at 5 o’clock on Sunday morning completely destroyed a large building in the main street owned by G. C. Hamilton, jeweller. The occupiers were George Brown (billiard saloon), Steel Brothers (grocers), Grants Ltd. (chemists), Charles Steans (tobacconist), Manrke Lowe (hairdresser). The fire started in the billiard saloon upstairs, which was a roaring furnace before the Brigade arrived. The fire evidently started long before discovered. A strong easterly wind fanned the flames and the firemen faced a difficult and dangerous task in negotiating the glass roof of the building. The water pressure at first was low, but was strengthened by The cutting off of supplies to the other parts of the town. Danger was increased by the billiard table falling through the floor to the shops below. A great save was effected by 11 a.m., the only other damge being to the lounge of the Cosy Tea Rooms, where the ceiling was partly destroyed and further damaged by water.

The fire revived in Steel Bros’ shop early this morning but was quickly subdued. A great hardship falls on the tradesmen concerned as there are no vacnt premises in the town and all the builders are already fully employed.

Steans has now suffered four fires and two floods during his business career.

'l’he insurances on the building were £4foo in the Guardian; Stean’s stock, £BOO in the New Zealand Office; Howe £45 in the Manchester; Steel Bros, £2505 in the Queensland and Royal. Grant’s and Brown’s insurances are unavailable.

Very little is saved owing to the extreme heat and fall of heavy furnishings and glass.