ANOTHER CONFLAGRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1066, 6 July 1912, Page 2

ANOTHER CONFLAGRATION.

BANK OF N.Z. TOTALLY DESTROYED.

Auother conflagration took place shortly alter 2. o’clock this morning, when the Bank of New Zealand premises, situate in Main St., were totally destroyed. Mrs Witchell, wife of the manager, was awakened by the smell of smoke, and lost no time in arousing the inmates. Mr Witchell, the local manager, is away on his annual leave. The other inmates were Miss Ross and Mr Dickson, cashier. When Mrs Witchell was awakened the house was full of smoke. It is supposed that the fire originated in the stationery room, just behind the public office. Mr Dickson arrived home shortly after midnight, and passed through that portion of the building in which the fire originated, and everything was then safe. When the alarm was first given the fire was only in an incipient stage, and a few buckets of water would have sufficed to put it out, but the necessary utensils were not handy, and in the meantime the firey elements gained considerable headway. An easterly wind somewhat retarded the progress of the flames to the dwelling portion of the building. The dense smoke, however, prevented anything, save a few odds and ends being salvaged. A space of about 40ft separated the Anglican Church from the burning building and efforts were concentrated upon saving this structure. A willing band of workers kept the walls well damped and fortunately the wind did no veer. The paint was scorched and some of the windows were broken, but beyond this no further damage was done. Chung Wah’s brick building on the north side, distant also about 40ft. was not in danger.

The building was insured for of which was held by the State and ,£550 in the New Zealand office.

Mr Witchell’s furniture was insured for in the New Zealand office.