FIRES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 98, 27 December 1913, Page 6

FIRES.

DEATH AT A FIRE.

[Per Press Association.]

Auckland, December 20

The Post Hall, Dovonport, used as a .picture theatre, and a five-roomed cottage at the rear, occupied hy <l. James, a carter, together with a line of outhouses at the rear of a block of shops were destroyed by lire last night. TI)C outbreak had a good hold when discovered, and the brigade, which was equipped with out-of-date appliances. had hard work to keep the blaze to the destroyed buildings. The block in Victoria Street as in grave danger till a drop in the wind enabled the brigade to turn the hoses on portions already alight. The hall was owned by Mr Theophilis Wade and was insured for £9OO in the London, Liverpool and Globe Go. A cottage oned by Cognn was insured for £2OO in the Commerial office. James’ furniture was saved. During the fire, Richard Ridings, 50. a member of the brigade, fell across the hydrant which he was working. He was medically attended, but expired from apoplexy without regaining onsciousuess.'