FIRES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18309, 17 February 1925, Page 12

FIRES.

(fuss association telegram.)

AUCKLAND, February 16.

A fire at Turau, near Thames, on Saturday evening destroyed Charles Bedford's - motor-garage on the • main Hauraki road, and the contents, including six motor-cars. The damage is estimated at, at least, £SOOO. Mr Bedford, was in the garage at about 9.30 p.m. cleaning the petrol tank.of his car. He had "as a light a portable electric lamp protected Ey a wire screen and connected to the switch by a long cord. He placed the lamp on a box and was moving away when he tripped over the cord, causing the lamp to fall and break. A loud explosion followed, presumably through the ignition of the benzine. Mr Bedford was .thrown forcibly through the door, and by the time he recovered from the severe shock the garage and contents were enveloped in flames. No water supply was available and nothing could be done to check the progress of the fire. It is understood that all of the property, excepting one van, was insured. .

TAUMARUNUT, February 16.

A £re at Ohura destroyed a picture theatre owned by J. Kawlil and the office of W. H. Hughes, solicitor. The insurances are not available.