EPIDEMIC OF FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 October 1922, Page 2

EPIDEMIC OF FIRES.

MOTOR GARAGE DESTROYED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Blenheim, Oct. 24. A fire at midnight destroyed the bulk store and motor garage at the rear of the Junction Hotel, Marlboroughtown, together with stocks of liquors and a motor-car. The buildings were owned by Staples and Co., Wellington. Patterson, the licensee, is a heavy loser. MOTORS AND HOUSE BURNED. Te Awamutu, Oct. 24. Two cars standing in a garage were burnt early this morning. A six-roomed dwelling at Kihikihi was burnt to the ground early yesterday, the occupants escaping only in their night attire. The insurances are believed to be £750 on the house and furniture. 'One car was insured for £250. BIG CARTERTON BLAZE. Carterton, Oct. 24. A disastrous fire broke out at midnight last night and destroyed the premises, owned by H. Jackson, hairdresser; H. Barlow, billiard saloon keeper; C. E. Stevens, restaurant. The brigade did splendid work and saved the adjoining buildings, though that of W. C. Ling, Chinese fruiterer, was badly damaged by fire, smoke and water. Jackson had £lOOO insurance on the building and nothing on the stock. He is* a considerable loser. Stevens had £175 on fittings and furniture, and is also a heavy loser. Barlow was insured for £5OO and Ling had .€BOO on the building and contents.

EXTENSIVE SCRUB FIRES. Rotorua, Oct. 24. Extensive fires occurred in the scrub country in the neighborhood of Rotorua and were fanned by the retrong south-westerly. Houses at Wairoa, on Lake Tarawera, were much endangered, but the residents saved them. The Forestry Department plantations at Whakarewarewa were seriously imperilled, but were saved by the working staff. HAWKE’S BAY GRASS FIRES. Hastings, Oct. 24. Grass fires are sweeping a big arsa in the Puketitiri district. The Glen Orr mill and cottages have been completely destroyed and Holt’s mill was threatened al] day yesterday, but was saved by the vigorous efforts of firefighters. The fire was due to the high wind carrying sparks from burning logs.