DISASTROUS FIRE AT TAKAPUNA.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 52, 2 March 1909, Page 5

DISASTROUS FIRE AT TAKAPUNA.

LAKE HOTEL BURNED TO THE GKOUNL. As indicated in our stop Press news last night a disastrous lire occurred yesterday afternoon at -Takapuna, involving the total destruction of the well-known Lake Hotel. It appears that at about three o'clock the cook, employed in the hotel j soot falling, and, concluding that the chimney was on fire, he reported the i fact to the landlord (Mr. V. T. Lipsj combe), who, with such assistance as was immediately available, proceeded ou to the roof with buckets. There the cover was removed from a large tank, and all worked hard for a long time in the endeavour to suppress the fire. , After about half-au-hour, however, the flames shot through the roof, and it became apparent that it would be advisable to commence salvage operations. The fire being observed by neighbouring settlers, and the flames by some twenty or thirty men who were at work on the new tramways, all these hastened to the spot and afforded willing and energetic assistance in the endeavour to save furniture and bedding. At four o'clock the large tower of the building fell with a loud crash, the flames broke out in all directions, and it became evident that nothing could be saved, it being quite impossible to conduct any further salvage operations. At this stage attention to the possible dangers of the fire in other directions became necessary. The wind was blowing due south, and about a dozen men went across to protect Mr. Henry Brett's residence. The fence surrounding Mr. Brett's property caught several times, and the grass being very dry the lawns were burnt, but, with the assistance of a hose and blankets, considerable damage was obviated, and the house escaped catching. The wind being due south, not very much attention was paid to the fine tea kiosk erected near the hotel some three years ago. As a matter of fact, the direction of the wind made it' difficult to get at it, and a grass fire having started the kiosk, with all its contents — tables, chairs, and so on —was soon ablaze and was completely destroyed. It is only three weeks ago that the licensee (Mr. Lipscombe) took over the place from his predecessor (Mr. W. Bright). Ht paid £150 to Mr. Bright for the goodwill, and took the furniture at valuation, the total sum paid being about £ 1470. Mr Harrison, a settler from Wade, who came into town yesterday, left a fine sulky under the trees near the hotel, and this was completely destroyed. All who took part in the work of fighting the flames worked like Trojans. The tramway men did not spare themselves, and one of the maidservants at the hotel, when she had done all that could be done there, went over to Mr. Brett's and started to work there. The willingness and activity of all cannot be too highly commended. The building, which was erected about a quarter of a century ago for Mr. Harrop, and belonged to Campbell Ehrenfried Company, was insured for £2000 in the New Zealand Insurance Company, and the stock and furniture for £1000 in the same office. This is exclusive of £250 insurance on the Kiosk, also in the N.Z. office. It is understood that the Campbell-Ehrenfried Company are considering the style of building which tiey will erect to replace the old one. Needless to say, all the inmates of the hotel lost all their personal effects. Jhe licensee had actually to borrow a coat and hat to complete his outfit after the fire.