FIRS AT OPUNAKE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 132, 6 February 1915, Page 5

FIRS AT OPUNAKE.

BUSINESS BLOCK DE3TUOTED. HAW ERA, Feb. ». Abcut ten c'clccli en Friday night a disastrous fire broke out at the Opunakt ilciel. resulting in the total destruction r.-f the hotel, cottage and stables, Judson's ccathbiahling factory, and Aickin's smithy. A Maori gave the alarm to the proprietor of the hotel, and the flrebell was rung. "\yilling assistance was scon to hand, and a bucket brigade was formed. It was quickly seen that it was impossible to save the hotel block, and the volunteer brigade's efforts were then .concentrated en--say-ing the adjoining buildings. The heat, of the fire broke, windows o fa garage to the west oi. the fire area. More than cnee the walls of that building caught fire, but they were, however extinguished, and the garage was saved. On the ether side cf Main Street buildings we'r-3 for seme time a considerable danger. The efforts cf many wining workers, however, were successful in preventing the fire spreading. Fortunately there was only a. slight breeze biowing or the damage would have been greater. It is supposed that the cause was a defective chimney. The particulars of insurances available are: Opunake Hotel, £I,BOO in Guardian Office; stables, £3OO in New Zealand office; Judscn's, £IOO, and Aickin's £4O, both in the Royal Company. The fire has made a big hole in the business area of the town.