LOSS OF EQUIPMENT IN RUATORIA BAKERY FIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22821, 16 December 1948, Page 3

LOSS OF EQUIPMENT IN RUATORIA BAKERY FIRE

(Herald Correspondent.)

Mr. J. McDermott had a fortunate escape in the recent fire in his bakery when the blast from exploding gases in the oven threw him across the room.

Had he been unable to give the alarm when he did, the fire which gutted the premises might have spread to the heart of the town. A portion of Mr. H.’ J- Smyth's building was beginning to burn when the fire brigade, making a prompt response, appeared on the scene. Mr. McDermott, who commenced business in Ruatoria Inst year, lost practically all his equipment and machinery, including a dough-mixing plant, air compressor, oil burner and diesel engine, all-steel trays and bread tins.

The Ruatoria Volunteer Fire Brigade received a letter of congratulation from Mr. M. J. McArtncy, district manager of the South British Insurance Company and a donation ot £5 ss. “Considering the nature of the fire,” he said, “I feel sure that any city brigade would have felt well satisfied with the save." Hall To Be Moved.

The Gospell Hall at I-liruharama is soon to be removed to a new freehold section next to the District Nurse’s premises, Ruatoria. Reconstructed with additions, the former Hiruharama building is to be the centre for the Presbyterian Church. At a recent sitting of the Land Court the present holder of the lease, Mr- Matekairoa Paki. agreed to the removal of the building, Mr. J. S. Nugent, acted on behalf of the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. W. McSkimming was present. Combs Aid Orchestra. The Waiomatatini School children wound up their successful show and field day with a dance, to which buses carried patrons from Ruatoria, Tikitiki and Rangitukia. The orchestra, conducted by Mrs. Henderson, consisted _of 20 school children playing various instruments ranging from piano, guitars, ukeleles, violins and drums down to combs. Supper was provided by ladies of the district. Mr. W. Atkins was M.C. and extras were supplied by Mrs. Walker, Miss A. Reid and others. First Visit of Ambulance.

The Te Puia Hospital Board’s ambulance made its first visit to Ruatoria this week and returned to the hospital with a patient. Anglican Women’s Guild.

The Ruatoria Anglican Women’s Guild conducted a shop day on Friday with the purpose of raising funds for the guild building programme. The sum of £GS was realised. Personal.

Miss L. Karauti, area organiser in physical education, is spending a week in Napier attending a conference. On Sunday the Rev. Mr. Pohipi Kohere paid a long deferred visit to the Rakaihoea meeting-house, Kakariki, where there were five infants to be christened.