FIRES LAST NIGHT.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 December 1926, Page 5

FIRES LAST NIGHT.

OUTBREAK IN DRILL HALL. DISASTER NARROWLY AVERTED. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Dec. 17. A fire broke out in the Drill Hall yesterday evening. Not much damage was done, £2OO probably covering it, but if it had gone undiscovered a few minutes longer, sensational happenings might have resulted. The fire was immediately over a concrete basement in which 100,000 rounds of ammunition were stored protected only by a inch wooden flooring, while in the adjoining room, separated only by a narrow passage 25,000 were stored without protection. One wall was burned through. Had the other Avail gone this ammunition Avould have been exposed to the flames. SCHOOLMASTER’S DOUBLE MISFORTUNE. (By Telegraph —Press Association.) ASHBURTON, Dec. 17. While the prize-giving Avas in progress at Chertsey last night the schoolmaster’s house of five rooms Avas burned Avith its contents, including antiques and valuable books oAvned by the master, Mr W. Doubleday. When informed of the fire Mr Doubleday had a seizure* A nine-roomed house at Pendarves, owned and occupied by William Banks, Avas destroyed by fire. Mrs Banks and two children, the only occupants, made a hurried exit. The house was insured for £BOO and the furniture for £250.