FIRE IN COURTHOUSE
CASE INTERRUPTED AT NAPIER VALUABLE BOOKS DAMAGED HASTINGS, 29th November. An unexpected interlude interrupted the hearing of a civil case in the Supreme Court, Napier, to-day, when a strong smell of burning pervaded the court and a fire siren sounded. Counsel paused in the middle of his address to remark. “I fear the court is afire, your Honour.” “H'm,” replied Mr Justice Blair, “I thought those blowlamps would set us alight before now.” The hearing of the case proceeded. The outbreak occurred in a corner of the law library while the building was being prepared for painting. The wood apparently had been smouldering for some time and when discovered the fire was blazing fiercely between the outer and inner walls. A painter smashed a window to gain access to the library and the fire brigade was called. The blaze was extinguished promptly, but water and chemicals seriously damaged valuable books. During the fire solicitors, clerks and other court officials assisted in the removal of books from the library.
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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 November 1938, Page 10
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171FIRE IN COURTHOUSE Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 November 1938, Page 10
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