FIRE IN WELLINGTON CAFE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22594, 27 December 1938, Page 10

FIRE IN WELLINGTON CAFE

QUICK WORK BY BRIGADE (PBE33 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, December 26. Quick work by firemen prevented more serious damage being done in the Cafe Royal, Lambton quay, Wellington, when fire broke out in the kitchen at the rear of the cafe late on Saturday afternoon. The woodwork above the range and round the chimney was blazing fiercely, and flames were leaping through a broken skylight in the ceiling when brigadesmen from the Central fire station arrived on the scene two minutes after the alarm was given.

Leaving half-finished meals on their tables, patrons hurriedly left the cafe as firemen rushed two hoses and chemical extinguishers to the rear of the building. Less than 10 minutes after going into action the brigadesmen had the flames under control. A curious crowd, consisting chiefly of telegraph boys, quickly gathered about the door of the cafe, and two police constables were fully employed -in keeping the entrance clear. Inside the floor was covered by about hall an inch of water, and at the rear of the building stock was extensively damaged by smoke and water. Tasty dishes that had been waiting to be served were covered in back smuts and soot.

The fire started during the afternoon, when fat ignited on the stove near the chimney. The proprietor of the cafe then threw a bucket of water over the fire and, as he thought, put it out. Unnoticed, however, sparks got behind the chimney. The fire gained a firm held before it was discovered. The building was not insured.