FIRES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 3, 28 December 1912, Page 5

FIRES.

THE REEFTON STABLES FIRE. (Per Press Association.) Reefton, December 27. The Inangahua Times reports that about 20 minutes to four this morning a boarder at the hotel opposite the back of the stable was attracted by the scream of a horse. He looked out and saw dense masses of flame rising from McMahon’s stables. He rang the firebell and McMahon and the members of the Times staff, who were working, were first on the scene, one bringing in a reel from a side fire station. Dense masses of smoke were mounting up. The stables were locked up and the key was in the pocket of Mr Tapp at. the Hotel in Broadway. No entrance could be effected. The horses were kicking in the stables and were evidently being suffocated, as no screams further were heard. When the key was obtained the smoke had penetrated everywhere. A member of the Times staff tried to extricate* Amberstone, but the horse was stupified by smoke and the flames were mounting high. When the water was put on it quickly extinguished the fire. The fire evidently started in a stall occupied by Comedian, as it was burnt clean and the horses wore burnt to the bone. Great sympathy is expressed with the owners. The stables were detached from the other buildings and were practically newly built on the latest lines. They are quite gutted. It is expected that the untoward loss will seriously affect the present racing season on the coast. An enquiry is being held this evening.

SAWMILL DESTROYED. Rotorua, December 28. Lee and McKenzie’s sawmill, near Mamaku, was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day. The mill had been closed down for the holidays, and only two men were in charge. The machinery was damaged considerably. It is not known whether there was any insurance.