EARLY MORNING FIRE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5050, 10 November 1926, Page 2

EARLY MORNING FIRE.

SERVICE CAR DESTROYED. GARAGE ESCAPES INJURY. The large seven-seater Hudson sedan motor-car owned by Mr Evan Thomas, Paeroa, was destroyed by fire while housed in Messrs. Brenau and Co’s garage about one o’clock this morning. The car, which was used by Mr Thomas on the Paei'oa-Auckland service run; was driven through from Auckland yesterday, arriving at the garage about 5.30 p.m., and was pa' into’ a position on the rightham! nde of the garage near the, fireproof wall. The car was not moved after that. Shortly after 10.30 p.m. Mr W. Pennell locked up the garage, everything then being apparently safe. About 12.30 'apn. a public works employee named A. Hill, was returning to his. home after being on nightshift on a dredge at the Puke. When passing the garage hq noticed smoke issuing from a skylight, and heard the sound of falling glass. Being unable to effect an entrance, he roused ■some Maoris, who, assisted him to raise the 'alarm. The firs brigade, under Captain Moore, was on the scene; in a remark- ; bly short time, and an entrance was gained by breaking the lock on the garage door. The building was full of smOke, and the car reCqi-red to was. burning fiercely. A lead of hose wajs run into the garage and water played on the fire, but it was some time before the. flames were quelled. AU that now remains is a tangled mass; of ironwork and charred wood.

« The cause of the outbreak is unknown, but it has been suggested that a butt might have been dropped on the seat of the car, and that this, after smouldering for a long time, caused the conflagration, as the fire appeared to have originated in the rear portion of the car. It. is believed that Mr Thomas had a small insurance on the vehicle, but the amount is not a,t present known. It was a piece of great good luck that the car was parked on the opposite side of the gai’age, as there were nine motor-cars and four lorries, as well as large stocks of tyres and accessories, in the building, none of which sustained damage.