SPECTACULAR FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1930, Page 5

SPECTACULAR FIRE

STORE BURNT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association WELLINGTON, August 13. A few minutes after one o’clock this morning a fire broke out in the general store of T J. Gossson of Marine Parade Eastbourne. Despite increasing offorts on the part of the local fire brigade, the building, which was built of brick was completely gutted. The adjoining house, occupied by Mrs Ross, also caught fire and was seriously damaged. When the fire broke out Mr Gosson and his son were asleep on the premises. They were awakened by the noise and smoke. Mrs Gosson was absent at the time. The insurances are not available : WELLINGTON, Aug. 13. A spectacular fire took place at Eastbourne last night. It broke out at one o’clock in a store on the Marine Parade and completely gutted this and two dweling houses. The store was that of Mr Gossons, who was sleeping in the rear portion with his son. The origin was apparently up in the celling and the Brigade despite their most strenuous efforts was unable to get the flames under proper control, owing to the fact ot Eastbourne having a poor water supply. A message was despatched to the city for kelp and a pumping engine was sent out from Thorndon Fire Station and the fire was quenched fifteen minutes after its arrival, with water from the harbour. Without this the whole block of houses would probably have been lost.

Besides Gosson’s store premises destroyed were the lionise of Mrs Ross and daughter and one owned by Morganti and occupied by P. Fitzgerald. A fourth house only re-erected after being burnt three months ago was badly scorched. Insurances are not vet available.