FIRE AT PIPIROA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4956, 26 March 1926, Page 2

FIRE AT PIPIROA.

BLACKSSIITH'S SHOP DESTROYED.

, A TOTAL LOSS.

Mr V. Bower’s blacksmith’s shop at Pipjr'oa- was completely destroyed by fire early on Tuesday evening. The origin of the fire is not known, but it apparently commenced neat the forge or in the paint shop, which was- close by. Mr Bower ha,d been working early in the evening, and then went home to bed. Mrs Bower was at a neighbour’s, house when the fire was noticed.

When discovered the fire had a firm hold, and within ten minutues the roof had fallen in. It was not possibleto save anything owing to the pudden 7 ness of the outbreak, and owing to the lack of wa ( ter—the drains being dry—it was- not possible to attempt to check the- flames.

A new dray standing outside the shop caught alight and was much damaged before it was noticed.

Water was, carried a considerable distance to quench an outbreak that tl]reatened the bridge* in front of the shop.

Fortunately the wind carried the flames away from Mr Bower's resid> nee; which stands' a little distance back, and also away from the Pipiroa store, which • is alongside. - Anxiety was felt when the long dry- ‘grass 'caught alight, but the fire did not travel far.

x The building' was insiured ‘for a. very small amount. Mr Bower-will be a heavy loser," as the insurance will not half cover the tools destroyed, which include a tyre shrinker and a tyre bender, each valued,.at from £2O to £3O.