Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1926. DESTRUCTION OF TOWN HALL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3009, 11 March 1926, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 1926. DESTRUCTION OF TOWN HALL.

YESTERDAY morning’s disastrous fire in some respects reminded one of t-lie time when the local public stood by practically powerless to combat the firey elements which fed on valuable property to such an extent that the insurance companies seriously considered withdrawing from faking local risks. Since the advent, of a high pressure water supply, well-equipped fire brigade and the constitution of a Fire Board, the element of risk has been reduced to a minimum, and outbreaks, for which Foxton in times past gained notoriety, have become rare. The Town Hall conflagration, under the conditions prevailing, would have defeated the best fire-fighting outfit with a ten minutes start, and the depleted brigade and those who assisted are deserving of great praise for their efforts in saving not only the adjoining dwelling, but the Manawatu Hotel. In fact without the water and brigade a clean sweep would have been effected down to the Salvation Army Hall.

IT is pleasing to note that the Borough Council is losing no' time in taking steps to re-erect the Town Hall and in the meantime to continue to cater for its picture patrons in an inprovised building. To-day the Council’s architect will confer with the Town Hall Committee in reference to plans and cost of a new structure on the old site. It may be necessary for the Council to call upon the ratepayers to sanction a loan for the re-construction of the Town Hall, which by the way has, in the past, been selfsupporting, but such* loan would not mean any increase in .rates. Anyhow, that point will not prejudice ratepayers against the proposal.