BLAZE AT CAMBRIDGE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 2, 2 July 1926, Page 9

BLAZE AT CAMBRIDGE

FARMERS' BUILDING REDUCED TO ASHES

BIG FIGHT TO SAVE HOTEL.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CAMBRIDGE, This Bay

The most disastrous fire ever experienced in the business portion of Cam bridge occurred early last evening, when an old landmark, the Farmers1 Auctioneering Company's two-storied premises, comprising grocery, hardware, ana drapery departments, and extensive offices, were totally destroyed. Thr alarm was given at 5.40 p.m., and although the brigade was on the scene in a few seconds, the outbreak had a good hold. The building, which was of wood and erected nearly half a century ago, burned fiercely. The fire at its height presented a great spectacle, and was watched by a large crowd, estimates at 1500.

It was quickly recognised that there was no hope of saving the burning building, find efforts were concentrated on the Central Hotel on the corner ot! Duke street, which was only separateoi from the conflagration by a 9in brick wall. Although handicapped by a limited pressure of water the brigade saved the hotel, in which also is situated Mr. Banfield's hairdressing saloon. Tim hotel caught fire several times but after hours of great fight, was saved, while the Farmers' premises wore reduced to a tangled mass of smouldering ruins. Willing bands of volunteers carried all the furniture and movable articles from the hotel, the eastern portion of which was badly scorched. Much damage was done by water. With tho exception of the office books and records little was saved at the Farmers.- The' estimated value of the stocks was £15,000. Tho insurances on tho Farmers' were: Building £800, stocks £12,500, fittings and fixtures £400, the policies being jointly held by the Farmers' Company and the New Zealand Insurance Company. The hotel is owned by Mr. James Fleming, of Tuakau, and occupied by Mr. W. Jury. Tho insurances arc not available. Mr, Banfield saved all his stock, but his shop was flooded.