FIRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 12078, 18 October 1933, Page 5

FIRE

CHURCH DESTROYED AT HUNTLY. (Press Association! AUCKLAND, Oct. 17. Lack of proper fire-fighting facilities was responsible for the total destruction by fire of St. Paul s Church of England at Huiitly tonight. Inc fire originated near the ridge of the roof at the rear of the church. Although observed in its incipient stages, nothing could he done, ns there is no lire brigade in Huntlv. When first seen, the fire could have been extinguished with a few buckets of water if a long ladder had been available. The first blazed fiercely for -an hour and was spectacular when the tower and bell collapsed into the hlaziiio- ruins. -Strenuous efforts on the part of the vicar, the Rev. E. R. Wright and a band of church officials, resulted in all furnishings, Including the altar, organ and. seats being saved. The church was built of wood, with an iron roof, a n d was over 35 years old. It was ' situated in the centre of the town and the Main Trunk railway runs close to the-site-It is thought possible that a spark from a- possing engine might have caused the fire. The church was insured by the Church of England Diocesan Pension Board for £SOO in the New Zealand office.

Protect yourself against losses by fire by insuring with the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Ltd.— W. Lissant Clayton.