BIG CONFLAGRATION AT AUCKLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3603, 24 February 1927, Page 3

BIG CONFLAGRATION AT AUCKLAND.

FUN FACTORY DESTROYED. I Auckland, February 22. A portion of the buildings at Luna amusement park was razed to the ground this evening by a spectacular fire. The buildings ruined comprised the tea rooms and cabaret, the offices of the secretary and his staff, and the “Fun Factory.” In addition a large portion of the scenic railway which traversed the fop of the building disap- ; peared in the flames. The management estimates the damage at £lO,000. The tire broke out with startling suddenness. The park was closed to the public at the time. Mr. B. \V. Beaumont, secretary and manager of the park', was in liis office with two other members of his office staff. They were engaged in tallying the receipts of the afternoon when suddenly a muffled explosion was heard. Owing to the presence of the Renown in the Harbour this was passed off lightly. Then one of the men opened the door to go into the outer office and found the building filled with smoke. Mr. Gilmour clashed back into the building to get the money and some papers that were in the safe, hut so quickly had the flames spread that, it was impossible for him to enter the office. He next made a fruitless attempt to rescue two carriages ou part of the scenic railway endangered bv the flames. Three fire engines were engaged in the task of fighting the fire and after a liar struggle succeeded in preventing the spread of the Homes to the other parts of the building. The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. All the electric current serving the various devices had beeii switched off. Luna park is insured hut the amount is not available. After the fire about £IOO in money and a number of papers which were in the safe were recovered unharmed.