SERIOUS FIRE AT OTAKI

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 150, 26 June 1914, Page 8

SERIOUS FIRE AT OTAKI

TOWN HALL & OTHER PREMISES DESTROYED j HEAVY LOSS. (BI TBIiKORAPHt-SPKCMI. TO THE POSTJ OTAKI, This Day. A disastrous fire during the night destroyed the Town Hall, the old news 1 paper offices, a garage, the Bank of Australasia, St. George's chemist's stiop, and the district nurses' quarters. The outbreak was first seen about 1.30 a m. by a Native, and then had .1 good VIOW. Nothing was saved from the hall, but most of the things from the other places ■were saved. Luckily the wind was favourable, and she Central Hotel was saved with difficulty The fire broke out in the Town iLill, and the Central Hotel opposite had a 'very narrow escape. The Horticultural Society lost all its belongings, while the Otaki Maori Brass Baud lost several instruments and £30 ' Aorth of music. Thi>. bank safes were opened this morning, and the contents were found to be intact, but scorched. Richard Bevan is a big loser, his moving picture plant being destroyed. , The origin of the fire is a mystery. Had it occurred the previous night, when a high wind was blowing, the whole of the main parts of the town would probably have been destroyed, as there is no water supply here. When you see the Fire Brigade rushing along the street, think of the British Dominions Genor -1 Insurance Company, Panama-streri. They cover all losses by fire. — Advt.