BIG FIRE AT GREY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1930, Page 5

BIG FIRE AT GREY

ROYAL HOTEL DESTROYED

WITH ADJACENT PLACES

(Grey Argus)

About 3.20 this morning one of the worst fires in Greymouth for several years was discovered in the Royal Hotel, upper Mawhera Quay. It had a strong hold upstairs before anybody noticed it. There were a good number of boarders, and many of them had little or no time to get out. Several women escaped in their, night clothing, and a number of men had only time to grasp their trousers. One young woman jumped from an upper window and sustained injuries. She was Mrs Howat, of Kanieri, wife or Mr C. Howat, junr. They were on their honeymoon, and only arrived yesterday. Airs Howat was taken early to the hospital, and it is hoped her injuries are not serious.

The fire spread through the hotel with amazing rapidity. The building being a fairly old one, its timbers were very dry. It was a large structure, but was afire from end to end in a very short space of time. The Fire Brigade had a very difficult task indeed, as the place was blazing when they arrived, and the wind was dead against them. It was blowing from the east, and taking the flames right to the adjacent buildings. All in the Royal Hotel escaped safely. This hotel was to have been taken over today by Mr Andrew Lees from Mr Williams. Mr Lees, however, had not, it is understood, completed the deal. Thus the loss will doubtless fall on the owner of the premises. It was not known at the time of writing what are the insurances, but nothing was saved from the hotel. It was completely demolished.

It was evident almost from the outset that more buildings would be attacked by the fire as the wind was strong and water could not be got directly in front of the advancing flames. A couple of brick walls kept the fire to the upper storeys, 'at first, and Air G. Webster had time to clear the stock of his umbrella shop. Mr S. Darrell’s second-hand shop, adjoining, was not-cleared, but the flames leaped across to the roof of the Railway Hotel and that structure was doomed. Some of its furniture was got out, but a large amount could not be shifted. The Fire Brigade got out five or six leads of hose, including one from the Denny engine, stationed on the Quay, out it was impossible to save the rear part of the Railway Hotel, while the cottages at the back of the.hotel were destroyed. The fire threatened to cross over to the shops fronting Alackay St. including Scott’s, but the Brigade got a hose to work and checked it. The fire indeed was also diverted largely by the Brigade from the front of the buildings attacked, except the Royal Hotel; but at the rear it extended past Websters and Darrell’s to the Railway Hotel premises, and threatened toj;o .arther, but at about 4.40 a.m. the Brigi-de after very strenuous worfc had control. All of the buildings mentioned, as well as Alilner’s Jewellery shop, and F. Dumble’s Tobacconist shop were damaged by the dense clouds o. acrid smoke that was blown over and into them. It was at the time of writing impossible to compute the damage, as the fire was still burning a 4 45 a.m., but it will run into many thousands of pounds.

THE INSURANCES.

GREYMOUTH, May 1. The Royal Hotel owned by Mr J. A. Lutz of Wellington, .with the contents was completely destroyed. Insurances on the building £ISOO in Queensland £IOOO, in Phoenix, £250, in National, £250 in Standard. The contents were insured but amounts are unavailable. Darrell’s buildings are owned by W • Mcllroy, and insurance is unavailable. The stock is uninsured. The loss is estimated at £BOO. . ■ v Webster’s building, £750, New Zealand. The damage is partial. It is understood the stock was uninsured, but most was saved. • Railway Hotel, rear is damaged by water.. Building;, insured. for £4OO •in Northern Office.,

THE INJURED.

The following persons were . admitted to the hospital.— ' t . Mr and Mrs Colin Howat of Kamen: Mr A. J. Smith. T !' The injuries are not serious. Fireman Blocksage received cuts or the hand. Fireman Walton had a nar row escape from falling timber, which dented his helmet. ' The water supply was reported very good. A gorge wind fanned the flames.

The damage to the Railway Hote 1 in the main portion ofithe building h only very small, but a detached .cottage at the back was destroyed. /

Further advice states that Mrr Howat is suffering from shock, apd has burns on her face and hands. Mi Howat is also suffering from burns on the hands and face.

Private advice states Mrs Howat when being lowered down a safety rope fell to the ground and bruised hei thigh. She also received slight facia' burning on the face. Her husband received more serious burns about the face and arms, but the doctor report 1 -- n there is nothing to prevent a rapid recovery.