Two Shops Destroyed By Fire at Shannon

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6541, 4 May 1931, Page 6

Two Shops Destroyed By Fire at Shannon

NARROW ESCAPE TOR BUSINESS AREA SUNDAY MORNING BLAZE At 1.15 on Sunday morning the residents of Shannon were brought out of bed by the clamour of the lire bell and a big glare was seen in the business centre of the town. The alarm was first given by an aged Celestial, who was beating a kerosene tin with a stick and calling out: “Welly big lire!" He awakened Mr. Eon Thwaites, who immediately ran down and sounded the fire bell.

The brigade was quickly on the scene and found two shops, owned by Messrs. •J. Roach and W. Clayton, well ablaze in the centre of the shopping area. Both shops were completely gutted. Fortunately, there was no wind blowing, otherwise the block would have gone. A shop owned and occupied by Mr. Harold Hook, comprising a billiard saloon and a hairdressing and tobacconist’s business, was saved by a brick dividing wall. The roof caught fire on several occasions, but owing to the vigilance of the watchers it was extinguished on each occasion.

Mr. Roach’s shop was owned by himself and was used for a tea room and confectionery business. Mr. Clayton’s premises were occupied by Fling Lee, who carried on a fruit and greengrocery business. Both will be heavy losers.

Four leads of hose were in action and an excellent pressure of water was obtainable.

The fire originated in the shop tenanted by Hing Lee, who had put a log on the firo before retiring for the night. The stock in Roach’s and in the building owned by Mr. Clayton was insured.

Mr. H. Hook’s shop front and hairdressing saloon were extensively damaged, and one end of the billiard room suffered from falling glass and water. The property was damaged to the extent of about £2OO. Mr. Roach intends rc-oponing immediately in the premises lately vacated by Mr. L. F. Jones. Four Shops Destroyed at Taneatua Per Press Association. WHAKATANE, May 2. A fire at Taneatua at 1.30 this morning destroyed four shops: G. C. Peebles, general storekeeper; E. M. Bryenton, butcher; McCall, saddler, and . Mrs Sutherland, milliner. The contents of McCall’s and Sutherland’s shops were removed to safety. The buildings are valued at over £2OOO. The contents of Peebles’ and Bryenton’s shops are estimated at £2OOO, Peebles’ insured amount being unavailable, while Bryenton’s stock was uninsured.