SERIOUS FIRE LOSS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 94, 15 January 1932, Page 12

SERIOUS FIRE LOSS

Farmers’ Union Trading Co. WHANGAREI BLAZE Other Premises Destroyed RAPID SPREAD OF FLAMES By/ Telegraph—Press Association. Whangarei, January 14. Never since the great fire which swept the centre of the town of Whangarei, about thirty-six years ago, has such a serious outbreak occurred here as one which broke out just before 7 o’clock to-night. The outbreak occurred in one of the most important business blocks in the heart of the town located at the base of Bank Street, near its junction with Cameron Street. The fire originated in the back portion of the Farmers’ Union'Trading Company’s large general merchandise premises, which are constructed of brick and concrete. ■ The fire brigade was quickly on the scene, arid although the firemen attacked the flames from three sides of the building with a moderate waterpressure, the flames quickly spread through the interior. Billows of smoke were issuing from the eastern windows at. 7.10, when a member of the firm’s staff rushed in and removed a box of explosives. Five minutes later flames were visible on the top floor, and shortly before 8 o’clock the whole structure was a terrible inferno, with flames issuing from every aperture and roof. The adjoining buildings on either side—Hosking’s drapery emporium, Chaplin's tobacconist shop and East (fruiterer) were also well alight by this time. ) The walls of the Farmers’ premises collapsed at 8.10 o’clock, and those of Hoskihg’s shop ten minutes later. Other occupiers, of shops in the vicinity removed portion of their stocks, the remainder being damaged by smoke and water. The flames presented a dazzling spectacle and were seen over a radius of many miles. The loss, which is not yet ascertainable, will be enormous. The telephone and telegraphic services to the north are largely disorganised. - The outbreak was well under control at 9 o’clock.