FIRE AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

Clutha Leader, Volume XLIII, Issue 7, 25 July 1916, Page 3

FIRE AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

BIGGEST FOB 30 YEARS. NEW PLYMOUTH, July 22. The biggest fire for over 30 years occurred early this morning. The Theatre Royal, Govett Quillam's buildings, A.M.P. buildings (in process of demolition), Walter 'Bewiey's, Hugh Bailey's, Austin Bewiey's, Monteath's offices, and J. B. MacEwan and Co.'s warehouse were completely destroyed. Veale's grocery shop w T as gutted, and the buildings on the opposite side of the street were damaged. The fire had a good hold ihefore it was discovered, and a high wind compelled the firemen's attention to buildings across the street. The tram service to the west end of the town is interrupted. The fire brigade worked splendidly, but valuable time was lost in the giving of the alarm. The brigade's efforts, on arrival, had to be directed to saving the buildings aeross Devon Street,- and the White Hart Hotel and! Coffee Palaee, which were 'both in danger.

It was impossible to check t»he main fire, and the total losses will pr.ebably excee.d 820,000*