FIRES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19508, 3 January 1929, Page 5

FIRES.

BIG BLAZE AT HASTINGS. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) HASTINGS, January 8. The Hawke's Bay Farmers' Co-opera-tive Association, Ltd., Hastings branch, at the corner of Market and Queen streets, consisting of a large grocery, with boot and shoe, glass, china ana crockery, ironmongery, implements,and engineering departments, together with full stocks, was destroyed by lire this morning at seven o'clock. The Are must have been smouldering a considerable time, because when the engine arrived promptly the building was standing, but before two leads of water were run out the flames burst through the roof and ran from end to end of the structure which collapsed in ruins. Nothing was saved. The stocks included oils and benzine as well as cartridges, gelignite, and detonators, amongst which the brigade had to work at much peril. When the gelignite and detonators were removed to a place of safety the principal danger was passed. Gases from the oils exploded, blowing out the windows. Fireman Price received injuries requiring medical attention. With six leads of water on the fire, it was subdued at about 8.30 a.m. The building is now a mere shell. It was of wood and iron, standing in its own block, and was separated by a section from the County Club on one side and by a right-of-way from the Association's garage at the rear. The stocks and contents were insured for £10,500, and the building for £BOO in the Alliance and Boyal offices. Don't be a loser. Get adaquate insurance. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd., Hereford street. —6