Fire at Greytown.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3333, 12 October 1889, Page 2

Fire at Greytown.

TOWN HALL'DESTROYED. Large Amount Private Property Lost Gbeytown Nobth, Saturday. The town ball, Greytown, was destroyed by fire this morning at 4.80, The' Oddfellows annual ball was held last night, and the dancers had only, left the' hall a short time before the discovery of tho fire. The hall, fire engine sheds, library, pound and other outbuildings were totally destroyed. A large amount of private property, instruments belonging to the string and brass bauds, properties of the Oddfellows and Melodists has also beon destroyed. The building was insured for £3OO only. The oause of tho fire in unknown.

On the alarm being given the Fire Brigade was quickly on the spot. It was soon found useless to attempt to do anything with the burning building, and the Brigado turned their attention-to saving adjoining property. Braggins' shop closo to the burning building was in great danger, but with a good supply of wator and the plucky efforts of the Brigade, this was saved, though a good deal damaged. Two jets from the big. engine were kept constantly playing on it, and a stream from.the small engine was directed on Maxton's premises. Had Braggins' place been burnt, nothing could have saved Maxton's shop and bakery, and the Brigade are to be congratulated on keeping the destroying element within tho limits of the Town Hall.

Our correspondent at Greytown adds:—At the close of the ball this morning some outsido loiterers observed smoke issuing from the Town Hall, which proved to bo on fire. The Town Hall, Fire Brigado Station, and firebell tower aro totally destroyed. The piano (a good instrument) is burnt, and various other articles (hall properties). The residence of Mrs Braggins, adjacent to the hall, is somewhat scorched and damaged. The occupant (Mrs Braggins), a ooiifirnied invalid, was removed to a neighbour's house, and her furniture moved into the street. Fortunately, the .weather was calm, or doubtless much mischief would have resulted from tho disaster.

The Greytown Hall was built about twenty years ago by a company, which got into difficulties, and after-' wards transferred its interests to the Town Lands Trust.