DISASTROUS FIRE IN WESTPORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LV, Issue 4569, 7 November 1935, Page 3

DISASTROUS FIRE IN WESTPORT.

DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT OVER £IO,OOO. Westport, November 6. The most disastrous fire in the history of Westport occurred early this morning when Messrs Hanson and Go’s tAvo storied hall of commerce and warehouse, Smith’s drapery shop, Fox’s boot repair shop, Waverlev PriA r ato Hotel, the Friendly Societies’ dispensary, dance hall and lodge room, also a cottage and business premises containing tAvo shops,' AvCre: totally destroyed. The outbreak originated in the rear of the hall of commerce and had a good hold Avhen the - alarm .was given. The volunteer brigade had every available inch of hose in use, but could not stem the raging inferno before the buildings mentioned Avere demolished. The poaverful Dennis motor pump Avas brought into use, but a petrol blockage put it out of action for a time. Fortunately there Avas little wind, otherwise the adjoining buildings, including the Town Hall, Theatre Royal and wooden structures across the street would have been more seriously endangered. As it Avas the plate glass Avindows opposite were cracked and building frontages and roofs blistered. Nothing was saA r ed‘ and the damage is estimated at OA 7 er £IO,OOO. The insurances are at present unavailable.

The following insurances have been.' ascertained so far on the building and stood: destroyed by fire to-dav: —Friendly Society, £I6OO on buildng and £7OO on stock; Hanson and Co., £2OOO (building) and £BSO (stock and fittings); Mr. Smith, £SOO (stock); Messrs E. arid H. Morgan, £4OO (two shops) and £l5O (dwelling); Mr Penny, £BOO (building and furniture),