BURNING OF THE HOKITIKA STATE SCHOOL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 5390, 9 January 1886, Page 4

BURNING OF THE HOKITIKA STATE SCHOOL.

Those first on the ground found the fire burning fiercely in the infants' room. Seeing that it was useless to attempt to extinguish it, an effort was made to remove the furniture. Efforts were also made to BEACH THE LIBRARY, j but it was found impossible to save the valuable collection of books which had been, by the joint assistance of the Board and the townspeople, procured for the use of the children and teachers, only one or two volumes being recovered. The Fire Brigade lent valuable assistance in salvage work, but to do any good with the fire, the hose required to be about 700 ft longer. The origin of the fire (says the Times) will be very hard to ascertain. Mr Blair, the caretaker, paid a visit to the school on Monday, and everything was in perfect order. Mr Kirk, the town lamplighter, made his usual round at about 32 o'clock, and then there was no sign of anything wrong. Mr Allen, the nightwatchman, saw a bright glare at three o'clock, and getting his glasses, made out what it wasj when he at once sounded the bell. At this time no smoke or flames had issued from the buildings and the fire was only indicated by a bright light through the windows. It is . rvery plain that it was not the result o£an -"/ordinary accident. Boys may have been -in the habit of roaming there for birds nests, or of making a rendezvous under the building, between the floor and the ground, and collected some inflammable substances if hich have become lighted by a match. .^Whether it is this, or whether incendiarism pure and simple, it is necessary that a most searching enquiry should be made. The loss to the town is very great. The State School was "the handsomest building in -' Hokitika, and townspeople always pointed toi^with pride. The conveniences for . UothJgupila^wui teachers were carefully

studied, and they had been used to look on it with much affection. School -work will be carried on temporarily in the gymnasium, and at Mr H. L. Bobinson's large store, "which he has kindly placed at the disposal of the committee. Mr Pizzey's malt house would also be convenient if adi ditional space is required.