NO EASY WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 156, 30 December 1940, Page 8

NO EASY WORK

FIREMEN DO WELL

FIVE PUMPS AT WORK

GOOD FUEL FOR THE FLAMES

Few buildings in Wellington could have presented a more difficult task to the fire-fighters than the old Masonic Hall. Its timber, over 70 years old in parts, must have been tinder-dry; inside it had large, open spaces through which the draught could sweep once the many large windows had f been broken; its contents consisted of seasoned timber for making up into furniture, the completed products, and paint, varnish, and bedding materials. Close to the building and all around it are other wooden buildings, most of them old dwelling houses, which needed constant attention if they were not to ignite and yet did not allow much space from which to attack the seat of the blaze.

In spite of all these difficulties and of temporary setbacks caused by bursting hoses, the firemen did really well, and their efforts met with ready admiration from the crowd of spectators.

When the first engine arrived the flames already had a strong hold in the upper floor in the front of the building. Hoses were speedily coupled to five engines. Two pumps were in lower Boulcott Street, one on the corner at the top of Plimmer's Steps and one in upper Boulcott Street, Another powerful pump was located in Lambton Quay, the leads going up