DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 21, 6 November 1935, Page 6

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

BIG BLAZE AT WESTPORT.

SEVERAL PREMISES DESTROYED.

CENTRE OF THE BUSINESS AREA.

(Per Press Association.) WESTPORT, This Day

The most disastrous fire in the history of Westport occurred early this morning, when Hansen and Co.’s twostoreyed Hall of Commerce warehouse, Smith’s drapery shop, Fox’s boot repair shop, the Wayeriey Private Hotel, and the Friendly Societies’ Dispensary, dance-hall and lodge-room, also a cottage and business premises containing two shops were destroyed. The fire originated at the rear of the Hall of Commerce and had a good hold when the alarm was given. The volunteer brigade had every available inch of hose in use, but could not stem the raging inferno before the buildings mentioned were demolished. A powerful Denis motor pump was brought into use, but a blockage of petrol put it out of action for a'time.

Fortunately there was little wind, otherwise the adjoining buildings, including the Town Hail and Theatre Royal, and wooden structures across the street, would have been more seriously endangered. As it was, some plate-glass windows opposite were cracked and building frontages and roofs blistered. A dance had only just concluded in the Friendly. Societies’ Hall.

Nothing was saved. The damage is estimated at £IO,OOO. The insurances are not available at present.