BLAZE AT OKAIAWA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 January 1929, Page 4

BLAZE AT OKAIAWA.

BLACKSMITH’S SHOP DESTROYED

BRIGADES GOOD WORK

The fiercest- blaze for a long time in OkaiaAva occurred late yesterday afternoon., Avhen the blacksmith’s shop, occupied by Alessrs Courtney and Power, and owned by Air W. G. William*?, was pi-acticallv destroyed by fire t onlly the front walls being left standing. The oconoiens left their work shortly after 5 o’clock, when all appeared! to be safe, but a few minutes after six o’clock smoke, was noticed issuing from the building, and in a A’ery short time the building was a mass of flames. The brigade, under Superintendent Drake, waisjiuiekly on the scene and a strong lead of water wag concentrated on the flames. It Aims found quite impossible to save the main building and their effort's Avere directed towards saving the adjoining buildings. So effectively did they work that they were able to save, the, paint- shop and a storehouse attached! and to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings. Tbev were ab'ly assisted by a bo dy' of Avillihg helpei-s, and it seams fairly certain that but for the concerted work the Toavii Haill and other neghbouring buildings' must have gone. The fire continued to rage for about an hour and a half -and shortly before 8 o’clock Avas completely subdued. The origin is a mystery, for everything seemed safe at the time the men left- their Avojk. . There was an excellent pressure .of water from the Hawera Borough main, and this, with the new hose, gave the brigade every opportunity to do their best. They oertainly made a good saA-e. Insurance's are as follow:—d£4os on the building and £2OO on machinery and 1 plant-, both held by tlie owners of the buildings, and in addition £250 on the stock bdld bv the lessees.