BIG CONFLAGRATION IN WAIPUKURAU.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4545, 18 December 1930, Page 2

BIG CONFLAGRATION IN WAIPUKURAU.

20 GARS BURNED. Waipukurau, Dec. Hi. An exploding petrol (tank was the cause tonight of the biggest lire in Waipukurau for many years, Messrs Mason and Baton's public, garage, about a score of cars, and a. house going up in Humes at about 10 o'clock. Mr. .). Baton, who was attending to tin l car on which flic lire started, had a narrow escape. Hr. Baton was draining the petrol ;taiik of his ear prior to making a liffii when the tank exploded, 'fhe whole building was quickly ablaze, and Mr. Baton who was under the car, was compelled to run for safety. The garage and tin- manager's six-roomed house nearby were totally destroyed, and although the Lire Brigade turned out smartly if could do nothing but protect, the neighbouring properties, the chief of which is the Tavistock Hotel, next door. The garage contained twelve new cars and several cars which were under repair, also an up-to-date plant. These were all completely destroyed. Among the ears lost was a new one belonging to a .Mr McDonald, of Wellington, and another which was the property of Air Chandler, of Napier. Neither of these, losses was covered by insurance. Tim only vehicle saved was an omnibus, belonging to Mr. Pruyjean, of the Hastings-Waipukurau mutorbus service. More than an hour after the lire broke out the building was a great blaze, which was watched by crowds of people. Nothing could be done but to let the tire burn itself out. No details of insurances are avii Ruble.