DANCE DISTURBED

Northern Advocate, 22 March 1934, Page 6

DANCE DISTURBED

OUTBREAK OF FIRE. ORCHESTRA DISPLAYS COOLNESS. LEATHER GOODS DAMAGED. (Special to “Northern Advocate.”? AUCKLAND, This Day. Fires which broke out in the National Mutual Buildings, Chancery Tame, disturbed 70 couples at the dance of the Dunedin Club, which tvas being held in the inter-house girls ’ clnLrooms on the top floor. The outbreak occurred on the floor beloAV. The first Avarniug the dancers had of the danger Avas the announcement by one of the committee, and Avliile the Nomads Orchestra played one of the latest musical numbers the dancers quietly filed out of the building. There was no contusion. Members of the dull committee, standing at the entrance of the rooms, calmly marshalled Hie dancers, and the Avomen with their escorts Avalked down three flights of stairs into the street. Several had to leave their overcoats in the cloak room. The musicians Avere the last to leave. The fire brigade Avas called at 11.25 and Avithin a feAV minutes two engines iiad arrived. The seat of the fire was soon discovered and a lead of hose Avas carried up flights of stairs and along a 30-foot passage to the premises of the Dominion Leather Company. The firemen broke open a double door Avith axes, and after a strenuous effort in a smoke-filled room they got the outbroak under control in about 10 minutes. The room was filled with leather and other goods, extensive damage being done to stock. The dance Avas the first, hold this season by the Dunedin Club, and Avliik* the firemen were quelling the on*r break, the dancers, all in evening dress, talked excitedly of their experience. They Avere unanimous in their praise f.f the coolness of the orchestra. The insurances total £2700. It is understood this does not cover the damage.