FIRE AT KUMARA.

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1928, Page 2

FIRE AT KUMARA.

State School Destroyed. A SERIOUS LOSS. KUMAR A, August 26. A disastrous fire resulting in the total destruction of the u.-w State School at Kumara occurred shortly after four o’clock yeste'day (Saturday) afternoon. Unusual smoke was witnessed by a young man cycling along the Dillmans Road half a mile away, and he quickly gave the alarm. Several young ladies from th’ Headmaster's residence quickly entered the building, but could do nothing, as the fire had a firm hold in the middle ciassroom. They immediately s .t- to work to save a portion of the books from the newly established Library, but, unfortunately, were unable to get the. new Roll of Honour out of the building.

The Fir- Brigade, under Captain McFarlane, were quickly on the scene, but huge volumes of smoke were now coming through the glass, partition of the corridor. There was then no hope of r.aching the Roll of Honour, which was only unveiled last Auz.ac Day. The Fire Brigade then concentrated (heir efforts on saving the shelter shed close by. The light easterly blowing help d to keep the heat off the other buildings. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, as the school Ims been locked up over a week for the holidays, and the Headmaster has b.-en. away on holiday. It is said that no one has been in the building during the holidays. The new sgliool was on.' of the works accomplished by Mr James O’Brien while ho was Memb.r for Westland, ami the School Committee had taken keen pride in providing the school with everything possible for the welfare of the 'scholars. Th ■ destruction of the School will mean much inconvenience until reconstruction can be provided. Mr H. .1. Bignell and Mr Geo. Bignell visited Kumara on this (Sunday) morning and conferred with the School Committee. The question of how and where to hold the School until a new building can be erected was fully considered. Proposals were submitted to Mr 11. J. Bignell member of the Education Board) ami that gentleman will confer with the head office in Christchurch. In the meantime parents can

rest assured that everything will b? done to commence ithe school to-mor-row (Monday) week. It is unfortunate that almost all the scholars have lost their school books in the fire.