SPECTACULAR BLAZE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 119, 17 February 1928, Page 6

SPECTACULAR BLAZE

OUTBREAK AT HUNTERVILLE HEAVY LOSS REPORTED Dominion Special Service. Marton, February 16. With onlv a fortnight since the Hunterville Carbine stables were burned to the ground, the Hunterville fire bn-, gale was called out early this morning to an even more disastrous blaze in which the Argyle Hail, the Argyle stables, W. J. Ford’s plumbing premises, and Dlrs. Rampton’s sweet shop were totally destroyed in spite of a sterling fight. For a time the Argyle Hotel, separated from the burning mass only by a small section, was in danger, and at times water had to be played on the walls as a protection from the intense heat, while the Town Board Office adjoining the hall on the south side was considerably damaged. The charred and scorched walls of the hotel, winch is the largest building in the town, give evidence of a narrow escape, and it is due to the efforts of the brigade, who were up against a low water pressure, that a much Urger block of buildings did not go up in smoke. At first an effort was made to save the hall, but it was soon found that this was impossible and work was then concentrated on saving the premises near bv. The contents were removed from the Town Board Office and Pullenger’s Furniture Shop, but after a spectacular blaze, which lit up the whole countryside and attracted crowds of spectators, these two buildings escaped, the former with broken windows and slight damage. A workshop detached from the stables also fell to the flames, and during the conflagration benzine and oil caused several explosions and provided fuel for the outbreak. Dynamos and an oil engine (used as a stand by) and a valuable cinema machine were all destroyed with the hall, while the contents of the stables included firewood, cement and motor accessories. , Both Ford’s and Mrs. Ramptons shops form part of tne stables and the contents of these are a total loss. The stables and shops are all owned bv Sir. H. J. D. McManaway, the two first-mentioned being leased to Messrs. Smith and Franks, .who in addition to conducting a carrying business, ran the local pictures. The hall was insured for £lOOO, and the stables for £2OO, while Mr. McManaway had a cover of £l5O on the contents, and Franks and Smith of £475 The loss to both parties is estimated to run into four figures in case Ford’s stock had a £6o cover, which also leaves him a heavy loser. The New Zealand Office held the insurances with the exception of that on Mrs. Rampton’s stock (insured for about £7O), which was held by the Alliance Office. ■ j Mr McManaway, who arrived tn Hunterville this morning, is 'understood to have outlined a building proeramma, which will include an updodate theatre in brick with provision for shops in front. The need for protection against fire loss is obvious. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Company Ltd., Panama Street, Wellington. Advt.