FIRE AT GORE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 112, 8 April 1930, Page 4

FIRE AT GORE.

“A ROARING FURNACE.” Per Press Association. GORE. April 7. A fire at five o’clock yesterday morning completely destroyed a large building in the main street. The occupiers were George Brown (billiard saloon), Steel Bros, (grocers). Grant, Ltd. (chemists), Charles Steans (tobacconist), and Maurice Howe (hairdresser). . ~ • The fire started upstairs in the billiard saloon, which was a roaring furnace before the brigade arrived. The fire evidently started long before it was discovered. A strong easterly wind fanned the flames And the firemen had a difficult and dangerous task, owing to the glass roof. The water pressure was at first low, but was strengthened by cutting off supplies to other parts of tho town. .The danger was increased by tlio billiard tables falling through the floor into the shops- below. A great save was made by 11 a.m., the only otliei 1 damage beyond the building being to the lounge of the Cosy Tea Rooms, which was partly destroyed and damaged by water. The fire revived in the grocery shop early this morning, but was quickly subdued. Great hardship falls oil the tradesmen concerned, as there are no vacant premises in tho town, and all the builders are fully employed. Mr Steans has now suffered four fires and two floods during his business career. , Tho insurances are: Oil the building, £4000; Steans’s stock, £800; Howe, £45; Steel Bros., £2500. Grant’s and Brown’s insurances are not- available. Very little was saved owing to the great heat and the fall of heavy furnishings and glass.