A HUGE BLAZE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1932, Page 5

A HUGE BLAZE

AT TE KUITI FIVE PREMISES DESTROYED. (Per Press Association — Copyright.) AUCKLAND, September 19. A fire that is described as having been the biggest in the history of the town occurred at Te Kuiti to-night. It resulted in the destruction of five business -premises. They were those occupied by the following:— H. C. Evans, boot and shoe store. ~ Luen Cheng, fruiterer and confectioner. Te Kuiti Bargain Stores, owned by Mason and Dobson.

D. McCorkindale, saddler. J. F. Hogan, tobacconist. The fire, apparently, started in the rear of the Bargain Stores, and it had a firm hold before the alarm was given. <■- - The fire. brigade saved the Post Office, which was scorched, and several of its windows were cracked. Most of the stock in McCorkindale’s shop was saved. Some of -the stock was also removed from Hogan’s shop. The brigade had a strenuous fight, being assisted in the salvage work by the police and the spectators. The insurances are not available.

A MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY, OUTBREAK AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, September 19. A fire which occurred in a Te Aro Street residence on July 12, is the subject of a magisterial inquiry being conducted :by Coroner McNeil. The occupier, James H. Wood, and the London Insurance Company, are both represented by counsel. Evidence has been given that when the fire was put out, a litter of shapings lay about the rooms, and there was a smell of kerosene.

Mr Creeke, deputy superintendent of the brigade, said the brigade made what was called a good save. When he examined the place after the fire, he found five rooms covered over with shavings. The flames coming from the building when the brigade’s men first arrived reeked of kerosene and turpentine.

Witness afterwards gave details of how shavings lay about the floor and furniture, and how both furniture and walls were afterwards found to have been sprayed. August Wilkening, builder, and owner of the house, gave evidence as to having let the place to Wood at £2 a week. He said that Wocd had always kept up-payments. Witness'mentioned that-three months ago he had reduced ‘the insurance from £I2OO to £IOOO, He knew of no enemies Who would be likely to set it off fire. /Wood gave evidence that on July 11, he left with his wife and child at 7.15 p.m,, catching a boat for the South Island. He was a commercial traveler, and was going on a trip to the West Coagt. He remained in Christchurcn till the following Saturday. It was a business and holiday trip. He did not go to the West Coast, as his wife took ill in Christchurch. When he left the house everything was There would be no supply of benzine, turps, or any other,-inflammable matter /m the house. No shavings were kept about the place. He did not know of any enemies. •