DESTRUCTION OF THE PROTESTANT HALL BY FIRE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume IV, Issue 633, 25 October 1883, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF THE PROTESTANT HALL BY FIRE.

-+. The Protestant Hall was totally destroyed by fire shortly after 12 o'clock last night. There had been a dance at the hall during the evening, but it concluded shortly after eleven, and Mr. Hooper, in company with others, locked the place up and left it perfectly safe, so far as they were aware. About 12 o'clock, Mr. Jackson, who resides within a conple of hundred yards of the hall, observed the reflection of a flare on one of his windows, and on going outside be saw that the tear of the . Hall was. on fire. He gave the alarm, and rushed off to the Catholic church to ring the bell, but could not gain an entrance to the church. It was, therefore a considerable time before many persons were nt the scene of the fire, and by then the whole place was in flames, and nothing could be done to save it. The fire brigade got their engine out, but could do nothing, and the building was totally destroyed. The origin of the fire is not known. The part of the premises where the fire was first observed was not, it is said, used during, the evening. The Good Templars lose considerably. A newty-acquired harmonium was destroyed, also their regalia and books. The Odd Fellows lose regalia and some books, but fortunately the secretary to the lodge had the minute book and contribution books at his home. The Orange Lodge, to which the hall belonged, lose charter, regalia, all books and papers, and all paraphernalia except two seals, which the secretary happened to have away from the hall. The hall, has not been built very long, and with extras and furniture (cost over £400. The building was insured in the New Zealand office for £850. A special meeting of the Good Templars will be held at King's buildings this evening to consider what is best to be done about replacing regalia, &c., lost in the fire.