REEFTON NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 November 1942, Page 2

REEFTON NOTES

[OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

REEFTON, November 18. The fire which broke out in the second storey of the Exchange .Hotel at Reefton late on Monday night, was still smouldering on Tuesday morning. Mr. F. G. Lynch is both owner and licensee of the building. With the exception of the bar, and one front room, an inspection of the building on Tuesday morning, revealed that the building was only a shell. So sudden was the onslaught of the fire, and so strong were the flames, that very little could be saved from the building. Mr. and. Mrs. Lynch will be heavy losers as although insurances were carried, not only were hotel contents destroyed, but Mr. Lynch lost also the contents of a store-room, and the family only had time to escape in their clothes, and could not save anything from bedrooms. Captain Iverson was a visitor to Reefton on Monday and Tuesday, being accompanied by Sergeant Clark who was an N.C.O. in a volunteer unit which took part in the recent campaign in Malaya. The recently appointed committee to further the matter of a Government Housing scheme in Reefton met. Mr. J. Latham was appointed chairman, and Mr. V. Newcombe secretary. It was decided to approach the Minister and to seek the aid of Mr. Jas. O’Brien M.P. Messrs J. Latham, J. McGregor, V. Newcombe and M. Rosonowski were appointed a deputation to meet Mr. AVebb at Reef ton on this matter on his way to Westport, but the Minister was not able to call at Reefton owing to roads slips.