SHOPS DESTROYED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 872, 16 January 1930, Page 7

SHOPS DESTROYED

BLAZE AT TANEATUA NO FIRE-FIGHTING FACILITIES pi-css Association WHAKATANE, Wednesday, j Fire destroyed a block of shops and j business premises in Taneatua at 4 j a.m. today. The premises were those of Messrs. J. Hogg, hairdresser, A. Berquist, billiard room, A. C. T. Winkleman, chemist, V. Mead, grocer, H. MeGougan, confectioner, and McPeake Erothers, drapers and stationers. The whole block of buildings was owned by Mr. J. K. Franks, of Tauranga. The fire apparently started at the rear of Mead’s grocery shop, and it had a strong hold when discovered. There are no fire-fighting appliances, water supply or fire alarm in the township. The north-easterly wind of the previous evening had died away, otherwise the fire would have swept the whole side of the street. Constable McDonald organised a party and demolished a shed, which prevented the fire from spreading to a tailor’s shop and the Union Bank. The building was insured ill the Northern Assurance Office. McPeake Brothers’ stock was insured for £1,400 in the Insurance Office of AustraliaOther insurances are: —Messrs. H. McGougan, £250; A. C. T Winkleman, £100; V. Mead, £6OO, all in the Northern Assurance Office. Messrs. Hogg and Berquist had no insurance. The dwelling quarters were occupied by Mr. H. McGougan and Mr. A, C. T. Winkleman. The contents were not insured. One shop was vacant.