(From Our District Representative)

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 289, 1 August 1932, Page 7

(From Our District Representative)

DESTRUGTIVE FIRE SHOP PREMISES DAMAGED At 9.30 p.m. on Saturday evening, a fire caused 'extensive damage to the drap'ery store owned by Mr. L. Wylie, . the Strand, Whakatane. The building which is portioh of a large block owned by Mr. A. J. Canning, is situated in the centre of the main street. The outbreak was noticed by a famale employee of Mr. Canning, who seeing smoke rising from the back of the premises, gave the alarm. At the time, no one was in attendance at, the shop and all lights were out, while Mr. Wylie was ill and confined to his bed. Prior to the arrival of the brigade, attempts were made by those nearhy to force an entrance through the back/ but owing to the strength of the doors, no entrance was possible. The brigade under the supervision of Superintendent Ward, was very promptly on the scene, and the damage was confined to the show room and two ; back rooms, which suffered severely. ' The cause of the fire is not known. The damage is estimated at about £500, the building being insured with the State Fire Office and the stock and contents with the Insurance Office of Australia. This is the third fire which has oecurred in this block during ,the past two years.