SCHOOL ON FIRE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 199, 23 July 1937, Page 2

SCHOOL ON FIRE

OUTBREAK AT MT. ALBERT. LABORATORY DESTROYED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 22. The science laboratory and a portion of the adjoining corridor in the south wing of the Mt. Albert Grammar School were completely destroyed by fire to-night. Smart work by tfie Mt. Albert and Mt. Eden fire brigades saved the flames, which had a strong hold, from sweeping through the entire wing.

The brigades arrived to find flames and smoke belching from the laboratory windows, which had all been broken by the intense heat. The laboratory is on the ground floor at the end of the wing and a considerable length of hose had to be run out to reach the outbreak. A strong pressure of water was , available, however, and the fire was under control within about five minutes. The outbreak started near the demonstration bench, but the cause is not known. The flames swept along the floor and up the walls destroying among other fittings and material six benches, several cupboards, about 18 valuable balances and a small quantity of chemical bottles and other scientific equipment. A number of geological specimens forming part of a small museum were also damaged or destroyed. No estimate of 'the monetary loss involved could be given. Apart from a portion of the adjoining corridor, the fire was confined to the laboratory, although it was just breaking through the ceiling to another laboratory on the 'first floor when the brigades arrived. MASTERTON OUTBREAK. Per Press Association. MASTERTON, July 22. An eight-roomed house at 73 Oxford Street, occupied by Mr A. G. Coleman, was gutted by fire to-night. The outbreak had a “strong hold when the alarm was given, the -flames having broken through the roof. No one was home at the time.