DISASTROUS FIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 111, 6 November 1935, Page 11

DISASTROUS FIRE

• WESTPORT SUFFERS

DAMAGE OVER £10,000

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WESTPORT, This Day.

The most disastrous fire in the his:ory of Westport occurred early this norning when Hansen and Company's .wc~storeyed Hall of Commerce warelouse, Smith's drapery shop, Fox's ooot repair shop, the Waverley Private Hotel, the Friendly Societies' Dispensary, dance hall and lodge room, also a cottage and business premises containing two shops were totally destroyed.

The outbreak originated at the rear of the Hall of Commerce and had a good hold when the alarm was given. The volunteer brigade had every available inch of hose in use but could not stem the raging inferno before the buildings mentioned were demolished. A powerful motor pump was brought into use but a petrol blockage put it out of action for a time.

Fortunately there was little wind, otherwise adjoining buildings, including the Town Hall and the Theatre Royal, wooden structures across the street, would have been more seriously endangered. As it was plate glass windows opposite were cracked and building frontages and roofs .were blistered. A dance had only just concluded at the Friendly Societies' Hall. Nothing was saved. The damage is estimated at over £ 10,000. The insurances are at present not available.