FIRE TRAGEDY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26623, 20 November 1947, Page 6

FIRE TRAGEDY

The words in which the Prime Minister referred on Tuesday evening to the calamitous fire in Christchurch adequately expressed the sense of shock which the news, caused throughout the country. The tragedy was one of the worst of its kind in our history. Already it is known that at least forty people have died, but it is clear that this list will yet be added to after a thorough examination of the ruins has been carried out. From the inquiry which must immediately be held, it is to be hoped that the causes of the outbreak will be ascertained. The evidence which is produced will be of particular value if it throws light on peculiarities of building design which may have assisted the fire or prevented the escape of those trapped on the various floors of the building. In this country, in which many large buildings are of old construction and have been extensively altered at different times, it is possible that there should be a more rigid building control or the provision of emergency exits to a greater degree than is required in modern buildings of a more homogeneous design. The outbreak occurred with terrifying suddenness and at a time when the business of the establishment was at its height. It is gratifying that the measures which were taken to assist in fighting the fire and in cordoning off the area /were prompt and thorough. The firemen worked well under most trying conditions, and a word of comni'endation is due to the visiting sailors and to the local military forces who readily volunteered or were organised to give their aid. The deep sympathy of the people of New Zealand will be exI tended to the city of Christchurch, for the occurrence was in a real 'sense a civic disaster.