FIRE OUTBREAK

Hokitika Guardian, 23 October 1930, Page 5

FIRE OUTBREAK

IN REVELL STREET.

AT TOOHEYS ARCADE

The firebell rang out an alarm of fire this morning at 25 minutes to 7, the scene of the outbreak being Toohey’s Arcade in the centre of Revel! Street, adjoining Arch Little’s boot store. The alarm was' given by an employee of O’Connor’s Hotel'and the - bell was rung by a' boarder. The Brigade was quickly on' the scenfe, and' found the 1 interior'of the building full of flame's and heavy smoke. ' ' A line of hose from an adjacent stall'd' pipe anil a good pressure of water being available, the flames were soon got Under without the 1 adjoining premises of Arch .Little .(boot shop) and the ’ 'Divinia hairdressing saloon receiving the slightest damage. The contents of Toohey’s Arcade, hooks stationery, and fancy goods were practically ruined by fire, smoke and water. It was very lucky that the outbreak w r as seen so quickly and the .alarm given, ,as otherwise in this most conjested portion of the towm, a very serious conflagration could easily have occurred. As it vvas the prompt alarm and the, smart' "of the Brigade enabled a gravis danger to be quickly removed without the adjacent premises receiving the-'slightest damage, pip

: it is understood that, there is iioi (insurance on Mr Jumes Tqqhey having allowed a policy to lapse; ( a few weeks ngbC : : ; ‘ . j||, The owned by Mrs (Ar'cll 'kittle)was divided into ss"o shops’, and.'was insured for £SOO in j|fie State; Office. ; . 1 • • ... •hj The fire apparently started in the rear portion of the shop, and did not break through the lining u’alls or ceiling, the damage being confined to the fixtures ..and contents: , There is no apparent explanation as to the cause of the outbreak. . i ~.t