FIRES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 March 1928, Page 5

FIRES.

COUNTRY HOTEL DESTROYED. I BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ABSOOIAT>'ON i NAPIER, March 18. The total destruction by fire' of two very old wooden buildings at Puketapu, about nine miles from Napier, was occasioned in the early hours of this morning, the buildings being the Puketapu Hotel and store, and the post office. The fire had its origin in the kitchen of the hotel, aiyl rapidly spread from one building to the other. Owing to the absence of water, spectators could do nothing to extinguish the blaze. As the district had had annual sports on the previous day the hotel had more than the usual* number of boarders, and these were able to escape with practically nothing but their night attire. The hotel was owned by Mr. J. v igor Brown and insured for £llOO, and the stock and furniture for £650. Insurances on the shop are at present unavailable. OUTBREAK. AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, March 18. Caused through the overflowing of one of the bowser pumps, a fire broke out at the Enterprise Service ' Station at the corner of Bridgeman Street and King Edward Road yesterday. The City arid South Dunedin fire brigades turned out, but before the outbreak could be extinguished two of the bowsers were badly damaged. A bov named Harold Shaw, who was in attendance at the station, was burnt on the arm and had to be takem to the hospital for'treatment. Particulars as to the amount of the damage and insurance are not available. The statioh is owned by Mr. J. Todd. . The need for protection against fire lass is obvious. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Company, Ltd. Local agent: E. Hardley, Grand Theatre Building, Ilawera. ’Phone 2174 —Advt.