DISASTROUS FIRE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4614, 15 October 1923, Page 2

DISASTROUS FIRE

boardinghouse destroyed. BLAZE IN BELMONT ROAD. Shortly after t.wo o’clock this morning a fire broke out in Montrose Boardinghouse, Belmont Road, Paeroa, the building being destroyed. The building, which was a twostoreyed one, containing 23 rooms, was owned by Mr A. Cassrels, and was occupied by Mrs A. Davidson, who used it as a boardinghouse. Mr R. Hanlon, who boards at the Paeroa Hotel, was awakened by falling glass, and on looking out of his bedroom window discovered the fireHe promptly gave the alarm, and the fire brigade turned out in a remarkably short time. Willing hands very soon moved out a few articles of furniture and assisted the occupants to safety. By that time the fire had such a hold of the building that very little was saved, and it was only with difficulty that the boarders got . out scantily clad. At one stage the occupants of the Paeroa Hotel had a very anxious time, as it was thought the fire must spread to that building. The boarders were all aroused, and they made hurried exits, each carrying as many belongings and personal effects as possible. However, the firemen, assisted by a south-westerly breeze, were able to keep the flames under control and confine the fire to the boardinghouse. It was quickly realised that there was little hope of saving the building, which was. an old one, and contained a fair amount of kahikatea timber, which burned like matchwood. After about three hours’ hard fighting the fire brigade managed to get the flames under control, but not before the building was gutted. It is thought that the fire originated near the hot-water cistern, and was caused by a defective chimney. Mr Cassrels had the building insured for £BOO in the N.Z. Insurance Office, and Mrs Davidson held a policy for £450 on her furniture and effects in the same office.