FIRE SWEEPS GREYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 March 1947, Page 2

FIRE SWEEPS GREYMOUTH AUCTION ROOMS

Severe Damage To Building And Stocks Stock worth thousands of pounds was destroyed or damaged when fire swept through the premises of the Westland Auction Company in Mackay street, Greymouth, early this morning. The interior of the building was extensively damaged and little of the large amount of-stock—mew and second-hand articles ready for sale- by auction—escaped damage by fire, smoke or water. The fire was the most destructive to occur in Greymouth for

many years. I The outbreak occurred some time after midnight, and the alarm was given about 0.45 when smoke began to pour into the adjoining Argus office. When the Greymouth Fire Brigade arrived, smoke was pouring from the building in ever-increasing i volume and half a mile away, near the Greymouth swimming baths," dense clouds obscured vision. Many nearby householders were awakened when smoke filled their bedrooms. Attacked From Both Sides Two leads of hose were run out and the fire attacked from both sides of the building, but it was soon obvious that the damage would be extensive. A battering ram was used to smash open double-doors at the end of an alley way between the burning building and the Argus, and a lead of hose was taken through and played on the seat of the fire in the goods-packed storeroom. Flames had a strong hold on the Avails and roof of all except the front part of the building and tongues of flames travelling across the alleway threatened the newspaper building, the fire actually getting a slight hold on the rear of the building. Firemen’s Difficulties Smoke and heat added to the dif- < ficulty of the firemen’s task, and, when the front doors were finally opened in order to enable the men to attack the flames from another direction, the dense smoke and heat drove them back. The fire was out before 2 o’clock, but there were two further outbreaks during, the night, these being extinguished by the two firemen left on guard. This morning the building presented a dismal sight. Apart from the display windows which are opaque with smoke-stains and, cracked by the heat —-their contents spoiled—the building is a shell with charred walls and floor and great

gaps in the roof where the flames had eaten their way through. The storeroom at the back was a desolate area. Goods to be auctioned today were packed so thickly as practically to fill the room, and they had burned fiercely. Many valuable items were a complete loss, including a set of leather goods. Furniture and much of the miscellany that accumulates in an auction room were damaged beyond hope of repair. Most of the remainder suffered to varying degrees. Thousands of Pounds Insurances were carried, it was reported to-day, but the extent of these was not available. The manager of the premises, Mr F. Sadler, was unable to advise the position regarding the stocks which had been placed in the firm’s hands for auction. He stated, however, that the damage would amount to many thousands of pounds. Much of the building will have to be reconstructed. The fire is believed to have started in the storeroom, but its cause is unknown. Members of the firm’s staff worked last evening until 10.30 and an inspection, of the premises prior to their departure revealed noi thing suspicious. DUNEDIN FACTORY DESTROYED BY FIRE '(P.A.) DUNEDIN, This Day. The Atlas box factory in South Dunedin®was completely destroyed by an early morning fire. It was valued at £2,800. Firemen had great difficulty in saving three houses across the road, it being necessary to furnish a water screen so great was the heat. One ' brigadesman suffered minor burns. Radio communication was used for the first time.