MANAIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 17 August 1908, Page 5

MANAIA.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM A FIRE.

(From Our own Correspondent.)

Manaia narrowly escaped a large conflagration yesterday (Sunday) morning. At 9 o'clock Mr- Allen noticed smolco issuing from the smithy of Mr J. J. Patterson, situated in the main street. Upon investigating he found the wheelwright's bench and the wall on the eastern side of the building was on fire. Tho flames had got through the weather boards and were rapidly gaining possession of the building. With' great presence of mind he got some water from the tubs near the forge, and attacked the fire. With the assistance of others who speedily arrived on the scene the fire was soon got under. The building is slightly damaged, . and some, tools and material were destroyed! The Royal Insurance Company has a risk on the building, but I cannot say whether there was insurance upon the tools and stock. It is most fortunate the fire was discovered in the incipient stage, for had it got a good hold with' the niffh wind blowing at the time nothing could have saved the adjoining block of buildings.