DISASTROUS FIRE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 32510, 29 November 1944, Page 7

DISASTROUS FIRE

BAY GARAGE DESTROYED

WHITIANGA IN DARKNESS

GENERATING PLANT RUINED

A disastrous fire absolutely destroyed the garage of Norman Wells, Ltd., of Whitianga, early on Saturday morning.

The smoke from the fire was first noticed by a resident at about 4.15 a.m. It seemed difficult to rouse anyone and there was no fire brigade or anything to assist in any way. It was fortunate there was not very much wind, as several new houses are in the close vicinity. An effort was made to save the contents of the office J)ut practically nothing was got out. The fire started in the rear of the shop. Trucks AH Saved The trucks of the Mercury Bay Transport Co., which were parked outside the garage were all removed without damage. A truck was also successfully rescued from inside the garage although the smoke was very dense by this time. As the trucks are

used for the collection of cream in the Mercury Bay district the loss of the vehicles would have been a very serious blow to the factory and the whole district The bowser and benzine were destroyed by the fire. No Electric Power As the power for the street lighting and domestic use in Whitianga was supplied' by a plant operating from the garage the township has been cut off without lights. Those using the power for refrigerators, wireless, ironing, etc., have been considerably inconvenienced. There was a rush on candles fl at the stores on Saturday and all discarded lamps were again produced. Torches proved to be handy too. One farm which has electricity in the milking shed has been seriously inconvenienced. While assisting in the effort to save some of the office contents Mr G. Ross suffered a severe cut on his leg, necessitating five stitches. Meeting of Public Later on Saturday morning a meeting of residents, business people and farmers met the directors of the company to discuss the position as it affected the future. The company announced they intended' to carry on as soon as possible. It was emphasised that the necessary plant would be I difficult to procure at the present time. The meeting decided to appeal to the Government for such assistance as was available. It is hoped that the position will soon be improved. PICTURES STILL SHOW ■ POPULAR “BAMBI” SCREENED As a result of the fire in Whitianga on Saturday morning Mr J. H. Keith of Paeroa had to take a portable 1 engine through to Mercury Bay on Saturday so that the very popular film “Bambi” could be shown in the Whitianga Hall that night. The hall was packed and- tiny tots who had never before seen a show managed to keep awake and) were still smiling at 11.45 p.m. when the picture concluded.

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