FIRES AT OTAKI.

Otaki Mail, 7 February 1923, Page 3

FIRES AT OTAKI.

THREE SHOPS DESTROYED AT OTAKI RAILWAY, A lire broke out at Hr Frecl Barnes’ (bootmaker) shop at Otaki Railway about -1 o ’clock yesterday morning and quickly demolished the building. The flames, favoured by a high wind, rapidly spread to the adjoining shop (N.Z. Farmers’ Heat Co’s.) but in the meantime a willing band of workers saved

the casli register, an engine, and a quantity of meat. Mrs Cooney’s confectionery shop was the next to eatcii alight and in record time the three shops were reduced to a mass of smouldering debris. The billiard room, thanks to a brick wall and the fact that the wind was blowing from it, was saved. The Are was first discovered by Mr “Bob” Lee, who sleeps on the billiard saloon premises, and who was awakened by glass falling. He immediately raised an alarm, while Hr Harold Taylor acquainted Captain Bills and Mr Cockrell of the local fire brigade. In a short time they and other members, with Constable Watherley, were on the scene. However, they were too late to be of service.

The origin of the fire is unknown, but Hr Barnes states that he had no fire in his premises during the day, and when lie left work everything appeared quite safe. His stock was insured in the N.Z. Insurance Co. for £450, but his loss will be from £l5O to £2OO above this. It is stated that there is no insurance on the stock of the Heat Co., but Hrs Cooney had her stock insured j for £250 in the Standard Office. The billiard-room narrowly escaped destruction. Young Hurray, at great personal risk, mounted the building and with a few buckets of water, srubdued an outbreak. In doing so water poured on one of the billiard tables but only slight damage was done. The buildings belong to Natives, who have leased to Hr J. G. Stevens, of Wellington. COTTAGE DEMOLISHED.

Residents of the Waitoku and of Te Rauparaka Road were surprised to discover on Tuesday morning that the old cottage on the largo section adjoining Hr Wilson’s property had been completely destroyed by fire. An exceptionally high wind had prevailed all night, and no one seems to have any

idea of what time the fire took place. The dwelling belonged to Messrs Be van Bro<. (Martou) and was for a long time occupied by the late Hr “Jack” Brennan. and more recently by Hr Wong Winterburn and family, who had only moved out last Saturday. There was no insurance.