BIG BLAZE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10475, 4 January 1928, Page 4

BIG BLAZE

BLOCK OF FLATS ALAIOST DESTROYED.

AUCKLAND, Jan. 3. Shortly after niidday to-day an outbreak of fire almost destroyed a block of flats at 9 Victoria Avenue, Itemuera. The flats were occupied by four separate families, only one of which was at home. The occupants of the flats were Mrs. J. Pickering and her sister Miss Batch'elar, Mr. and Mrs. J. Raynor, Mr. and Mrs. Heighway and Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Hooley. The right wing of the building was almost demolished, and the left wing was gutted. The losses of the occupants will be severe. The outbreak occurred in the flai which was occupied by Mr. and Airs. Heighway on the ground floor, and was discovered by Airs. Pickering, who lived on the first floor. Bv the time it was discovered the fire had' a firm hold, and when assistance arrived the bottom floor” was burning fiercely. A good deal of furniture and effects from both floors was saved, but a large quantity was destroyed and damaged by fire and water. A bundle of notes belonging to Air. Hooley, which had been locked in a dressing table, was saved. The flats were owned by Air. A. Petrie, of Clonburn Road, Remuera. The building was insured with the A.P.A. Insurance Co. for £3.500. The policies cn the contents are unavailable.—P. A.