HANGAR ABLAZE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 9

HANGAR ABLAZE

THREE PLANES BURNED WILSON AERODROME SEVERE LOSS TO CLUB 1 (By Telegraph.—Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ Friday Three aeroplanes and the hangar housing them belonging to the Middle Districts Aero Club at Miison Aerodrome were destroyed in a disastrous fire shortly before 9 this evening. When the brigade arrived it was impossible to save anything. About 1000 ft. of hose with two .cad-s was run out to allow the men to deal with the fire. Little could be done except to prevent the spread ol the fire. Fortunately the brigadesmen were able to remove two portable benzine tanks, with a capacity of 120 gallons each, which, were in small, detached iron sheds.

The building, which was a new one and probably the most up-to-date in the Dominion, was taken over by the Middle Districts Aero Club just befoie Christmas and had been in use for only two months. The official open • ing was to have taken place about March 18. Details of Insurance The loss will be heavy. All the property is covered by insurance with various insurance companies. The two Tiger Moths were valued at £I4OO each and the Porterfield at £IOOO. The building was estimated lo be worth £2300. The insurance on the aeroplanes amounted to £3700, placed with the New Zealand Insurance Company; that on the building to £2OOO, in the Queensland Office; and equipment to £2OO with the Insurance Office of AusMingled with the misfortune that the club suffered in the destruction of 11s new premises is satisfaction that new furnishings which were to be installed on Monday of next week escaped the flames. Tiie club captain. Mr N. R. Lecher, said to-night that the club hoped to be able to procure two aeroplanes to enable it to continue with its training of civil reserve pilots and general club work.

It is believed the fire originated in the kitchen.