DISASTROUS FIRE

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 61, 6 December 1926, Page 3

DISASTROUS FIRE

AUCKLAND THEATRE BURNED BECOMES A BLAZING FURNACE BRIGADE’S DANGEROUS TASK Dominion Special. Auckland, December 4. The disastrous fire which broke out 'in Fuller’s Opera-House shortly after 11 o’clock last night was caused, it is thought, bv a fuse blowing out in the switchboard behind the stage and igniting the curtain, from which flames quickly spread to the upper portion of the theatre. The fire secured such a firm hold that, in a few minutes the Upper part of the building was like a furnace, tbe reflection of which could, for the best part of half an hour, be seen for miles around. With the burning of the roof tons of debris, were hurled into the body of tbe theatre, and the major portion of the building was left in a state of practically complete destruction. The difficulties of the' firesnen were increased owing to the character of'the building. One of their tasks was to confine tbe flames to the upper part, but the result of this was that a constant shower of burning timber and dislodged fittings rained into the auditorium. necessitating a detachment of firemen to extinguish minor outbreaks caused in tin's way. Exposed to this shower, and working in a stifling atmosphere of smoke, the task of the men detailed for this duty was far from enviable. Several leads of hose were plaved over the roof, while the operation of breaking open the fire escape doors of the upper portion of the building proceeded. This proved somewhat difficult owing to the stout construction of the locked doors, and it was ten minutes before it could be accomplished. Leads were transferred through openings thus made, with a noticeable effect on the flames, the brilliance of which died awaj’ in a matter of seconds.

Dense volumes of smoke, illumined now and then by fitful outbursts of flame, showed the fire had been mastered. but was dying hard. The clatter of falling pieces of timber and roofing continued, and firemen still plied their axes at the lower doors to effect new avenues of attack, particularly at the stage end, wher: the lower part of the building, owing to its proximity to the origin of the fire, had suffered most. _ In an hour's hard fighting, the brigade had succeeded in bringing completely under control a fire that threatened to be a serious menace to adjoining buildings So quickly did the flames spread after the curtain became ablaze tiiat three persons within the building, Mr. W. A. Singe, stage manager, Mrs. Singe, and Mr. Diamond, scene artist, had barely time to escape. In the process Mr. Diamond received burns on the arms, while Mr. Singe was severely shaken by the experience. He did not even have time to rescue Ins coat, but rushed for the exit in his shirt sleeves. “A fuse blew out on No. 2 board, the second board from the front beside the stage,” said Mr. Singe. “Before we knew where we were the flames had spread to what we call the ‘flies,’ and caught the curtain. Everything happened so suddenly that the whole place seemed to go up in flames. I tried to run out a lead of hose, but had no time, so rushed out and gave the alarm.”

Fighting of the fire was fraught with no little personal risk to firemen. One fireman entered the theatre by the rear door a fraction of a second before a large burning fagot of wood came crashing down to the street from the top of tbe building, striking the pavement on the very spot the fireman had traversed.

The theatre performance ended, about 10.35 p.m. and the fire broke out forty minutes later, by which time every one except Mr. and Mrs.. Singe. and Mr. Diamond had left the piemises. Most of the members of' “Midnight Frolics” Compauj- had their property stored under the stage. Water caused

the chief, damage in that vicinity. At least some members of the company "hid not have their property insured. The adventures of a little dog, the property of Mr. Clem Dawe, which was kept in the theatre, provided a slight diversion for the spectators in the later stages of the lire. The dog was missed early,' but could not be located and it was thought to have met with a painful death aud was given up as lost. However, after the flames had been practically subdued, the dog uuexpectedlj’ ran out Irom the lane beside the theatre yelping with terror. It was pursued by a section of the crowd and when caught proved to be little worse for its experience in the blazingtheatre. This morning the interior of the' Opera House prespited a scene of desolation and sunlight streamed through it on to piles of charred debris aud beams. Beneath the stage in the basement there was water ankle deep which flowed about the “props” of the “Midnight Frolics” Company, while nieiiibets of the company waded to and fro in an endeavour to assess tbe amount of damage. As much of the property was packed in crates the full extent of the damage could not be ascertained, but dyes were running freely and it' was evident that anything in tbe nature of wearing apparel had suffered severely. The company promptly arranged with one of the city laundries to assist in the drying out process, and was hopeful of being able to “carry on” with the least possible delay. Two lady members of the company paddled in the gloomy pool beneath the stage in search of personal treasures and- one consoled herself with the remark “that it was the smallest wardrobe that she had had since being associated with the show.” In the orchestral “well” were remnants of a piano and on the stage a grand piano and . a big viola were reduced to an inarticulate point. Close by were the remains of a giant thermometer. The mercury had risen to where fever point was marked and then by way of protest the glas’s had shattered. Arrangements have been made to “carry on” in another theatre at once. Building and contents were insured at Lloyds for approximately £25,000. Mr. W. Burton, Fullers’ general manager for New Zealand, left Wellington by the midday express on Saturday for Auckland, to make what arrangements are possible for the carrying on of the business of the firm, which must necessarilv be dislocated for a few days. Mr. Ray Fuller, the Auckland manager, was absent from the city on a visit to Russell. The Auckland Opera House is situated in Wellesley Street West, fifty yards from Queen Street. It is about thirty-five years of age, and has beenthe property of John Fuller and Sons for about twenty years past. Some fifteen years ago the whole of the auditorium was modernised under the direction of Mr. Henry White, the wellknown theatre architect, since when it has' been regarded as one of the most comfortable and convenient theatres in New Zealand, being well equipped for every class of theatrical entertainment. Before it came into the possession of the Fullers the Opera House waS the theatre that was rented by all the touring companies, and remained so until His Majesty’s Theatre was built by another company (and subsequentty leased to J. C. Williamson, Ltd.) Since then all touring companies -Have appeared there, whilst the Opera House has been the home of permanent vaudeville. Messrs. Fuller and Sons also own the King’s Theatre, off Karanqahape Road, which has been reserved for the exhibition of moving pictures for some years past. . HOKITIKA HOTED DEMOLISHED. Bv Tepegbiph -I’bf.ss association Hokitika, December 4. The Commercial Hotel. a large wooden two-story building in Revell Street, was completely destroyed by fire at 1 o’clock this morning, together with practically all the contents. The inmates escaped in night attire. The fire apparently started in the middle of the building, and had a good hold when the alarm was’given. Mr. J. L. Fowler is the licensee. The insurances are not yet available. DESTRUCTION OF HOUSE. By Telegraph.-I’res" as„v ' Whakatane, December 4. A residence of six rooms at Otakiri, owned bj’ Mr. A. Tooman, of Auckland, and occupied by Mr. C. F. Stewart, was destroyed bj r fire yesterday afternoon.- It is -believed that the outbreak originated in a chimncj’. MOTOR-CAR DAMAGED. At 7.25 on Saturday night the Fire Brigade was called out to Talavera Terrace, where a five-acater touring car, owned by Mr. Albert Guthrie, was on fire. The body and engine were severely damaged by fire and water. The insurance was not available. GARAGE AND CAR BURNT. At 8.43 on Saturday night the brigade received- another call to 164 Queen's Drive, Lyall Bay, where a wood and iron, building, used as a garage, and owned by Mr. Richard Stanford, was alight. There was a sedan car in the garage, and both building and car were severelj' damaged bj’ fire.and water. No. insurances were available. Be pi epared. See that you have adequate fire insurance. Consult the Mercantile and General. Insurance Co., Ltd., Panama Street, Wellington.— Advt.