BLAZE IN OXFORD STREET.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 February 1931, Page 4

BLAZE IN OXFORD STREET.

TAILOR’S SHOP GUTTED AND STOCK DESTROYED. SLIGHT DAMAGE TO ADJOINING PREMISES. The charred framework of Mr W. E. Monk’s tailor shop on the east sido of Oxford Street indicates where a fire raged in the premises last night, gutting the building (with the exception of a back room) and consuming the stock. This was the southernmost of a number of wooden shops in the centre of the business area, and several of these were seriously threatened, but by strenuous efforts on the part of the Brigade and an excellent pressure of water they were saved from destruction after the fire had done some slight damage to two of them. The blaze was first noticed at halfpast twelve, by Mrs Brooks, of Hastings, avlio was staying with Mrs Cummins, a few doors to the north, and from there the alarm was given through the telephone exchange, the firemen responding with a rapid turn-out. The flames had gained a strong hold on the wooden structure and were visible from all parts of the town, and in a few minutes the street was alive with spectators. Outbreaks originating from the main conflagration occurred in the roof of Mr E. Henderson’s cycle shop, and in the rear corner of the Renown Pie Shop. The window in the concrete back wall of the former was broken, and the wooden wall at the back of the pie shop was v badly scorched. As there was very little wind, the Brigade were able to isolate these burns. On the south side of the tailor .shop was a brick Avail separating it from the brick building occupied by Messrs Cameron Bros., mercers, but in their skylight, an outbreak occurred. This was subdued by the Brigade, but a portion of the stock was damaged by smoke and water.

The insurances arc: W. E. Monks—building (owned by Mrs Herrick), £6OO, in the Norwich Union; stock and fittings £3OQ, in the Sun office. E. Henderson —building (owned by Mrs Hilling) £SOO, and stock £2OO, in the Alliance. Renown Pie Shop—building (owned by Mr J. Herrick) £4OO, in the Commercial; stock, etc., £l5O, in the Alliance. Cameron Bros. —building (owned' by Mrs J. Ivess) £IOOO, in the Commercial; stock and fittings, £1350 in the New Zealand, and £250 in the North British. The last-named building also contains Mr E. J. Ham’s confectioner’s shop. Refreshments were kindly supplied to the Brigade by Mr A. L. Williams.