FIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1932, Page 4

FIRES

reejAon BLASE, DRILL HALL DESTROYED. REEF-TON, October 26. At ■'2.25 to-day the fire-bell sounded, and it was at once seen that the Drill Hail was ablaze. When the Fire Brigade arrived the fire’s hold was such that no hope of a save -remained. The flag pole fell in front, striking Fireman -Chas. 'McEhvee and rendering him unconscious. HJ was removed to his home.

Th-e hall was used by the Inangahua •Rugby iSv-ib-Union for its ball on Monday evening, and a piano was lent by Mr W. Morris (Broadway). This, -along with the hall, was destroyed. Tine Reef ton Sub-Union will therefore be jout to expense for its replacement as it was not insured.

,The hall was insured, but the amount is not yet known. The building contained few valuables. All the military records were removed by the Defence Department some time ago to Greymouth. The hall, it is understood, was used last 'night by the Girl Guides for a function. The firo, which lit up t'he whole place around, had completed the destruction of the 'hfall in half an hour. -The loss of the hall will be felt by the community.

AT TAYLORVILI^. Last evening about 8.45 o’clock, a fire completely destroyed a five-roomed residrjnce at -tTaylorville, occupied by (Mr Joe Glen, his wife -and five children, and Mr Jock Gleu, -his wife and two children. They were all absent at the time, the fire being discovered by Mr L. Hunt. He attempted to enter the house, as it was not clear whether any of the children were inside, -but by this time it was a blazing im‘::no and He was beaten back. Although a large crowd gathered it was not possible to organise a bucket brigade owing to the terrific beat an’3 the lack of an.V adequate water supply, and all that could be done was to stand by and watch the house and contents burn, The insurances on the house, if any. were not available. It is understood that the hous 6 is owned by Mr Jim Glen.

AT MILLER TON. On Monday night at Millorton a four-roomed house, the property of Mr R, Edwards, was totahy destroyed by fire. The flames had a firm hold when the outbreak vss discovered and nothing was vsa-ved. The Library, which is on th e other - ide of the rope road, was endangered, but a -strong wind blowing in the right direction was a factor ni saving the property. Though in uied, Mr Edwards will bp a big loser as a result of the fire.