BLAZE AT ASHHURST

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 8, 10 July 1934, Page 8

BLAZE AT ASHHURST

THREE BUILDINGS DESTROYED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., This Day.

A fire shortly after midnight caused much damage in Ashhurst township, tho Masonic Hotel, tho public hall, and Masonic Hall being destroyed. It is believed that the blaze originated in a chimney of the hotel. The only occupant of the hotel at the time was a porter, the others being absent at a dance some miles away. The porter was aroused by smoke in his room, and he escaped with difficulty. The building, which was an old wooden one, was soon a raging inferno. Tho flames spread to the public hall five yards away, which soon was consumed, and then the Masonic Hall, a comparatively recent structure, caught alight? This hull was also destroyed. Details of tho insurances are not available. There is no fire brigade at Ashhurst, but a bucket brigade saved other premises. Nothing was saved from aty of the buildings involved, owing to the danger from live electric wires which were brought down. Heavy loss was sustained by tho Masonic Lodge, whose regalia and fittings were destroyed, and also by Mr. K. Havill, licensee of the hotel. The Masonic Lodge had insurance amounting to £350, and there was also cover of £1000 on the hotel building, £400 on the public hall, £200 on the hotel stock, and £150 on furniture. The total damage is estimated at several thousand pounds.