FIRE THREATENS TOWN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 9, 1 April 1927, Page 1

FIRE THREATENS TOWN

BLAZE AT HAVELOCK HEAVY DAMAGE DONE (.Special to THE SUN.') BLENHEIM, Thursday. Early this morning the little town of Havelock, at the head of Pelorus Sound, was threatened by fire. Three shops and a six-roomed house were destroyed, and only the desperate work of the fire brigade and the residents saved the town. A garage next to one of the shops caught fire several times, but was saved. Such was the heat that buildings across the street had their paint blistered, and windows were cragked. The fire apparently started in a Louse occupied by Mrs. J. King and her daughter, who were away from home. It was destroyed. An empty shop and another occupied by Mr. A. McLaughlan, tailor, were also gutted. The house and shops belonged to Mr. R. W. Price, now of Hawke’s Bay. The building of the defunct “Pelorus Guardian” newspaper, now occupied by Mr. L. B. Smith, grocer, .was destroyed. Mr. W. Richards’ garage was not seriously damaged. Strenuous effort prevented the fire spreading to the long main street of wooden buildings. Mr. McLaughlan had a policy of £250 on his stock and fittings, and Mr. Smith £ 1,000 on his stock. The other insurances are not available.