FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 January 1928, Page 5

FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

BLOCK OF FLATS BADLY DAMAGED. (BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Jan. 3. Shortly after midday to-day an outbreak of fire almost destroyed a block of flats at 9 Victoria- Avenue, Reinuera. 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 Batchelor), 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 flat which was- occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Heighway on the ground floor, and was discovered bv Mrs. 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, hut a large ouantitv was destroyed and damaged by fire and water.

A bundle of notes belonging to Mr. Hoolev. which had been locked in a dressing table, was saved. The flats were owned by Mr. A. Petrie. of Remuera. The building was insured for £3500. The policies on the contents were not available.