HOSPITAL DESTROYED

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1946, Page 3

HOSPITAL DESTROYED

SPECTACULAR FIRE AT OPOTIKI ALL (P.A.I OPOTIKI, December 5. The main buildings at the Opotiki | Public Hospital were completely dejstroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning. The buildings were on Hospital Hill, about two miles from Opotiki, and, although a water main was laid recently near the hospital, there was no hydrant for fire fighting. The fire broke out in the detached domestic quarters, and for half an hour the Onotiki Volunteer Fire Bricrnrip

held it in check using hand pumps and buckets passed from hand to hand. In spite of this, the rear of the main buildings caught fire. When it was seen that, the main building was likely to catch fire, all the patients were immediately taken outside, and a large number of people assisted the staff in clearing the. buildings, including the main nurses’ home, of practically everything. The X-ray plant was dismantled and safely removed. The fire was the most spectacular seen in Opotiki for many years. ■ The average number of patients in the hospital is about 35, and as soon as possible all were brought into Opotiki, where St. Mary’s Hall was turned into an emergency hospital. Lorries worked through the early hours bringing beds and other equipment into the borough. As rain threatened, everything was stored before heavy rain fell after daybreak. Insurances, which are held in the State Insurance Office, amount to about £7OOO. Plans were prepared some time ago for a new 60-bed hospital and a nurses’ home on a nearby site. The new maternity home, which was ready to be occupied on Saturday, will now be used as an emergency hospital. The isolation ward, which is some distance away, was never in any danger.