FIRE AT PUKEKOHE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 270, 27 April 1917, Page 3

FIRE AT PUKEKOHE.

The ringing of the firebell soon alter noon yesterday caused a com* motion in Pukekohe, the scene of the conflagration being a large barn and outbuildings on Mrs A. E. Wilkinson's property on the Tuakau road. The barn was filled with hay, which was soon a mass of flames, and although the Fire Brigade were quickly on the spot after receiving the call it was impossible for them, in the absence of any water main near at hand, to do little more than save a small quantity of timber, the entire building being soon demolished. A bucket brigade, composed of the firemen and many willing workers, was soon at work and checked the heat of the flames. Fortunately there was no wind blowing at the time as otherwise with a constant stream not being available Mrs Wilkinson's residence would have been in danger. The hay was last year's crop with the exception of a few loads that were harvested some three months since. The theory of self-combus-tion in the hay is accordingly not tenable as the cause of the fire and its origin is a mystery. No one had been working in the building, but rats may have carried matches into the hay and so have been responsible for the outbreak. The value of the destroyed buildings and hay is quite £2OO and Mrs Wilkinson only had an insurance with the Alliance Co. of a very limited amount Beyond monetary loss the destruction of the large strueture, with its flat roof, means a serious drawback in ,the supply of water to the young cattle on the farm as the roof was most valuable for catching rain to fill the tanks that were used as a source for water to be conveyed into troughs for the stock. Before leaving for their return to the Fire Station, the firemen were served with refreshments by Mrs Wilkinson, whose kind thoughtfulness they much appreciated.

We are asked by Mrs Wilkinson to express her warmest thanks to the members of the Fire Brigade for their attendance and also to the many setclers and residents who assisted the Brigade in their work.