Pukekohe Theatre Gutted by Fire

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 313, 26 March 1928, Page 1

Pukekohe Theatre Gutted by Fire

BRIGADE’S GOOD WORK BACK PORTION SAVED (From Our. Own Correspondent.) PUKEKOHE, Sunday. Damage estimated at several thousands ol pounds was caused to the Strand Theatre by Are early this morning. The stage and dressing rooms were the only portions of the building saved. The alarm was given at 3.20 a.m., but when the Pukekohe Fire Brigade arrived the flames had a strong hold of the front of the building,. where the operating room was situated. When the brigade arrived the James were spreading to the dress circle and to the tw r o shops on the street frontage on either side of the theatre. After a stern fight, lasting nearly two hours, the brigade got the fire under control, and saved the stage portion of the building. The auditorium, with seating accommodation for about 750 people, was gutted, and the furniture destroyed. The building is owned by the estate of the late Mr. J. Graham. It was insured for £4,750 in the United Office. Messrs. Morrin and I.lorrin, of Pukekohe, were the lessees, and they had a policy of £6OO in the London and Lancashire Office on fittings and stock. Films which were destroyed were insured for £1,500. They were owned by a film corporation, and were on circuit to Messrs. Morrin and Morrin. One of the shops at the entrance was conducted as a confectionery shop by Mrs. J. Cowan, who had an insurance policy for £2OO in the Liverpool and London and Globe Office on her stock, little of which has been left undamaged. The other shop was conducted by Messrs. Morrin and Morrin as a radio and tennis goods depot. A player piano in the building was damaged by water. It was insured for £175.