HOTEL BADLY DAMAGED

Evening Star, Issue 19550, 7 May 1927, Page 10

HOTEL BADLY DAMAGED

FIRE SPREADS RAPIDLY

CPeb Cnixxd Press Association.]

PALMERSTON NORTH, May 7

A second and more disastrous fire occurred at 3.30 this morning, when tho brigade was called to an outbreak at the Occidental Hotel, a large two-story structure standing at the corner of the square and Fitzherbert street. Tho flames had a big hold on the portion of the building on the corner. The fire appeared to nave broken out in the bar, and this part was soon a roaring mass of flames. The clock tower feature of the building was soon enveloped. Fortunately there w as little wind, and what was blowing’ was from the east, which assisted to keep the flames from the main block, with the result that this part mostly escaped serious damage. A good portion of the building was totally destroyed. It was owned by the Borough Council, and leased to the licensee, Bradley, whose lease expired, and who had advertised a clearing sale of the furniture at an early date. Those on the premises were the licensee, bis wife, five employees, and eight boarders, who had considerable difficulty in making their escape, so quickly did the flames spread. The'Chinese cook was severely burned about the face and hands.

The wing of the building saved runs along the square over shops, and the brigade concentrated on saving these; but the contents were damaged by smoke and water. The premises affected are those of Chrystall (tobacconist), Just (nurserymen), Wtorrall (bootmakers), Byers (confectioner) . The stock of D. M. George (draper) also suffered from water.