FIRES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 18 May 1929, Page 3

FIRES.

BIG STORE DESTROYED. OWNER RESCUED UNCONSCIOUS. t.rns.33 association TZUOIUI.) DARGAVILLE, May IT. A spectacular fire at Te Kopuru late last night totally destroyed a large general store and contents owned and occupied by Mr C. H. Aukett. Mr Aukett was working at hi# books till 10.80 and was filling a kerosene heater when it caught fire, and immediately the whole room was alight. Mr Aukett made a desperate attempt to put the fire out, and also telephoned for assja* tance. A young man named C, Rugs was the first one on the scene. He found Mr Aukett unconscious on the floor, and had great difficulty in getting him out. It was afterwards found Mr Aukett had sustained injuries to his head »nd arms which required medical attention. There is no water supply, and the fire burned merrily till hardly a vestige was left of the largest store in the village. A bucket brigade did great work and were the means of saving the huildinga on either side. The safe was opened to-day and the contents found intact. -Mr Aukett is a very heavy k>aer. Tht stock was insured for £I3OO and the building for £4OO, both in the Victoria Office. The owner estimates his lo§g gfeove the insurance at £3OOO. HOMESTEAD DAMAGKp. (raifa assowiof BtENHEJM, May 17. -A- nine-reolned tworgtorey dwelling, which was the h°me oi Blenheim's fif*t Mayor, and later had been owned and occupied by Mrs Jessie Vanoe, a widow, was gutted by fire this morning. When the outbreak was discovered by a neighbour-it had a strong held. After a strehuous fight the brigade extinguished the flames. The home was insured for £450 in the Phoenix Office and the contents for £3OO in the State. Hie owner was absent at the time of the outbreak. , ,