BIG FIRE AT WAIROA

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 99, 27 April 1923, Page 8

BIG FIRE AT WAIROA

THEATRE, HOTEL, AND SHOPS

BURNED.

| (BI TEIEORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WAIROA, This Day. One of the most disastrous fires in the history of Wairoa occurred early this morning, resulting in the complete destruction of the Wairoa Hotel, Everybody's Theatre, and two shops with dwellings attached. The ''Duco" Garage, which adjoins the theatre, was saved by an improvised bucket brigade, as there is no water supply or fire-fight-ing appliances available. Fortunately, a southerly wind was blowing, otherwise much greater damage would have resulted.

Boarders in the hotel, including Chief Judge R. N. Jones, of the Native Land Court, Mr. Levvey, Stipendiary Magistrate, and several commercial travellers had narrow escapes, losing practically everything, and only escaping in their night clothes.

The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is thought to have started in a small storeroom upstairs in the hotel. A boarder named Mrs. Hook fell down the fire escape, sustaining a sprained ankle, and two other boarders were scorihed and their hands badly \ burned. The insurances are not at present available.

Secure yourself' from loss by fire by insuring with the Eagle Star and British Dominions Insurance Company. Ltdl,, Office, Panama street. Prompt settlement of claims is one of ita leading features.—Advt.