FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

Mataura Ensign, 26 December 1913, Page 5

FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

DEATH! OF A FIREMAN.. fbb tnrrrsD pekss association. j AUCKLAND, Dec. 26. The Post Hall (Devonport), used as a ■picture theatre, and a five-roomed cottagp at the rear occupied, by Mr J. -James (a carter), together with a line •o# outhouses at the rear of a block of ahqps, were destroyed by fire last night. TW. outbreak had a good 'hold when it vig dißeovwed l and the brigade had hsvd work to confine the blaze to the destroyed buildings ? the block in Victoria Street being in grave danger till a drop in the wind enabled the brigade to torn the hoses on the portions already alight. - The hall was owned by Mr Theo Wake and was insured for £9OO in the London, Liverpool and Globe office. The cottage was owned by Mr Cogan and insured for £3OO in the Commercial office. Mr James' furniture was saved. Daring the fire Richard Ridings, aged 50, a member of the brigade, fell across tih» hydrant which he was working. He was 'medically attended, but expired f.om apoplexy without regajning consciousness. '