FIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 70, 28 July 1913, Page 5

FIRE.

o MYSTERIOUS FIRE AT HOTEL

[Per Press Association.] Gisborne, July 27

The hotel at Te Karaka, 30 mile from Gishorne, which had a narrow escaps from destruction in the fire which destroyed three adjoining shop in the township on Friday afternoon was completely demolished, 'by fire a one 'o'cMk'tnis monlmgv. The-bote was a large wooden structure, contaii. ing 42 bedrooms and 12 other rooms all of which were occupied by guest. at the time of the outbreak. One o the guests heard a man in an adjoir ing room got up and go out abou 12.30, and about half-an-hour late beard a crackling noise coming froi the roonY.'-'Hb investigated and'dir covered 'both beds ablaze, and th flame, creeping up the walls. His at tempt to check the outbreak was un successful, so. he speedily wakened th household, and all escaped in the nic of time, as before two o'clock the plac was reduced to a pile of glowin ashes.

Nothing but the licensee's safe wa saved, and many guests had narro\ escapes, losing, without exception their effects, the street being fille by women, men and children in var ions states of deshabille. All th shops on the opposite side of the roa were badly charred, and were ablaz many times, but were saved by a hue ket brigade. The hotel was ownei by .Mr I). J. Barry, of Gisborne, wh< had a. policy in the Royal Exchang' office for £-2000. The licensee is'Mi G. Williams, and his furniture anc stock were insured in the Royal offic for £llOO.

The only thing saved from the Ban! of New Zealand branch in Friday': fire was the safe containing the book; and records. This was stored in th' hotel, and was completely burned ii this morning's fire.