A MIDNIGHT BLAZE.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 121, 25 February 1926, Page 5

A MIDNIGHT BLAZE.

MORRINSVILLE SHOP,

Brigade’s Prompt Work. Mr. A. Smith’s wooden shop building on the corner of Thames and Moorhouse streets was damaged by fire about midnight on Monday. Mr. E. Whitehead occupied the shop for his fruitery business. Shortly after midnight Constable Jackson, who lives almost opposite in Moorhouse street, heard the tinkling of falling glass. Discovering the cause, he quickly gave the alarm. The volunteer fire brigade lost no time in getting on the scene and within a very few minutes they had a good volume of water playing on the flames, which were soon under control. On all sides the brig-adesmen were complimented upon the smart manner in which they acted. A large number of interested townspeople were present, variously attired. The two back rooms of the shop were completely gutted, the fire evidently commencing in a small storeroom. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead left - the shop as usual shortly after 10 p.m., when everything was apparently in order. Some., residents who passed the place shortly before midnight saw no sign of fire. The shop itself was not damaged by fire but the fumes and heat completely destroyed the stock. The stock was insured for £2OO in the Mercantile and General, while the insurance on the building was £250 in the Liverpool and London and Globe office.