BIG FIRE IN MARTON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 9019, 5 December 1907, Page 2

BIG FIRE IN MARTON.

FIVE BUILDINGS DESTROYED. Shortly after 3 o'clock the residents of Marton wci"e startleit by the clanging ol_ the lire alarm which loft no doubt that something unusual in the nature of a conflagration had broken out. The scene of the outbreak was at Mr J. M. Nicol's shop and refreshment rooms. When discovered the lire was in its incipient stage hut the water supply was cut off temporarily from the town and the brigade could do nothing for sometime. With a sharp breeze to fan the flames it was soon found that this nice block of buildings was in course of demolition by the dorouring element. " The fire started at the back part of Mr Nicol's refreshment room. A gas jot was loft burning and by somo means the buildingjcaught fire. The flames quickly spread to the next room and before a supply of water could be obtained the interior of the shop was a seething mass of flame. The large crowd of people now assembled could see that the adjoining shops and dwellings would take fire and an army of willing assistants quickly set to work for the purpose of removing stock, furniture, etc. This was douo with but very tew breakages and those responsible are to be complimented. It was not long before the flames had devoured the shop occupied by Mr Nicol, and when the walls fell in Mr B. G. Goebel's two-storied shop was soon ablaze and it could bo seen that the brigade's efforw at fire-extinguishing were hopeless, as there was a miserable pressure of water and only one jet to use. In loss than 30 minutes the second building was in ashe;s and the fire had caught the next two.strried shop and dwelling occupied by Mr J. Milligaa, dealer iu crockery and hardware The fire burnt more fiercely than ever and the brigadesmen and a host of workers were having a most trying time. They could do nothing with a 'dribbling snppf?of : water and it was soon apparent that nothing could save (bo third building and there ssemod considerable danger that the buildings 'as flip as Mr McEldownoy's brick, premises would also he enveloped, But, fortunately, tho brigade had by this time got the old manual engine to work and although Milligan's building, had difiappoafpd nud the fire dad spread to Mr ijax Bornholtl'S fiUQ HYOrStoriod shop and •-. -~, M -.nr.nßdsd in keeping dwelling, rnev .>..-. ' ' tho flames within tho limits ot this building. A firfo pressure ot water was secured and without any possibility of doubt this supply came just_ in : time to save the adjoining premises 1 —Mr J. M. Nicol's fine residence ; and the Presbyterian Church. '> It was a great effort on the part of the brigade and others in checking the fire. Some of the men had a ; most trying time with the dense L smoke and their anxiety was greatly increased when tho flames, despite ! the volume of water being poured on 1 them, burst through the top storey ' windows and threatened further 1 danger. ' The firemen were forced to make their escape and one man remained with the jet, and gallantly sticking to his work in a denso volume of smoke with burning timber falling, ho succeeded in checking the progress of the fire in the front. A branch hose was now put on and water was played on ''the building from the' back. The flames were coming through the last wall but the determined efforts of the brigade checked all danger. Although thfiro was got under in these premises the building was absolutely ruined, the fire having made a clean sweep from end to end and only the walls remained. While the attention of the brigade was beipg devoted to saving the main building, the fire had caught Mr Nicol's bakohonso and it was not long before this building and most of its contents were destroyed. The fire threatened the Chinaman's shop and another building belonging to Mr Nicol on the northern side, but the efforts of a bucket brigde were successful in preventing what would -have Leon a greater calamity. Some of tlie men" received nasty burns and Fireman. Goodall received a severe cut on the arm. Another resident had to bo carried away in a helpless condition, being overcome by smoke. There was work for everybody to do and it was pleasing to note that such a host of willing hands voluntered their services in pumping the fire-engine. Among theso wore numerous visitors. Eacli and all stuck to their posts in a thoroughly workmanlike manner, many of them wot through to the skin and all suffering great discomfort. When the efforts at fire-extinguishing had

practically ceased relays* had to be told oft to guard the stock, most of which was carried 1 through' the back places to the 'Park. ' If any doubt, existed as to the thaukless arid laborious duties of the volunteer firemen, it must have been dispelled af tor witnessing the prolonged labours of tho officers and men, without murmur or complaint. It was a big fight to prevent the Are spreading further and all concerned are deserving of the warmest congratulations. /* nuu'hur of ladies occupied their time in supplying refreshment to the rueu, which was greatly appreciated, j Mr J. M. Nicol is perhaps the heaviest loser. He was carrying an extensive stock and all the contents were bui.'ut. His catering »ud silver arid'rill Ins bookl 'and current accounts were also destroyed. His insurance was £250 in the Alliance OffiCu. The building was ownad by Mrs F. Nicol, senior, and was insured for £330 iu the London, Liverpool and Globe Office. This includes a small risk on the bakehouse, The 'shops occupied by Messrs Goebel 'and MiUigau were owned by Mr A. ,H. Sntcliffo and were insured for £3OO and £SOO respectively in the London, Liverpool and Globe Office. Mr Goebel's stock was insured for £SO in the New Zealand Office and Mr Milligan had his stock covered for"£3oo in the Commercial Union. ■Tho shop and dwelling owned by MrMax'Bbrnhoid was insured for £530 in trio State'Office and'liis stock of jewellery, furniture and fittings for £ioo in the New Zealand Office.