THREE MEN INJURED AT TAUPO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21950, 19 February 1946, Page 4

THREE MEN INJURED AT TAUPO

MENACE OF FIRES

RENEWED BATTLE

THREAT TO PROPERTY

WORKERS’ SEVERE TEST (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 19. Telephoning- late last night, the New Zealand Herald’s special representative, who reached Tanpo at 8 o'clock, states that three men were injured when Taupo was again menaced by fire yesterday. A soldier, Private Donald Janies Moir, of Onehunga, was removed to the Rotorua Hospital suffering from burns, while Mr. F. J. Tehran, conservator of forests, and another public works employee also suffered burns which necessitated medical treatment. From 200 to 300 feet of hose was damaged when the Wellington fire engine was endangered.

Several outbreaks of fire in different parts of the township during the early part of the afternoon severely tested the emergency fire fighting service that has been established.. Although the maternity hospital, the Spa Hotel and several homes had to be evacuated, the fire had caused no serious property loss up to a late hour last night.

Control of the outbreak has been obtained, but danger still exists, especially if .there is a sudden shift of wind.

The first alarm came soon after midday from a rubbish tip on the Spa road. All the available men and equipment were rushed to the spot. Driven by a strong south-westerly breeze, the fire spread rapidly toward the Spa Hotel. So fierce was the fire that it burned back against the wind and crossed the road into the scrub on the other side, where a small cottage was evacuated. Eventually, however, it was saved.

The flames travelled quickly with the wind toward the Spa Hotel, and it was only by establishing the first trailer pump at the A.C. Bath, an engine at the Kathleen Bath and two more trailer pumps at the hotel that these buildings were saved for the second time in a fortnight. Evacuation Towards Aerodrome

The guests at the hotel were evacuated, but on this occasion they could be taken only northward to the aerodrome, as the exit to Taupo was cut oil.

At this period .the hotel was surrounded by fire and it was here that the men were injured and the Wellington, fire engine had a narrow escape. Later, when the fire was subdued by hoses, the guests and staff were brought back.

In the meantime a big outbreak occurred in the scrub at the side of the road and it worked back in the direction of the new maternity hospital. situated on .the opposite side of the road. It became so threatening that it was necessary to evacuate the patients and babies. Equipment from the Spa Hotel fire was rushed to the scene and the property was again saved.