FIRE.

Northland Age, Volume 24, Issue 49, 2 April 1925, Page 4

FIRE.

DESTROYS SHOPS IN COMMERCE. A fire which broke out at about 3 a ni. on Friday morning last completely demolished two shops in Commerce St, Kaitaia, owned by Mr. Fred Puckey and occupied by Mr. Alan Watson, stationer, M'- W. H. Alkins, accountant, and Mrs, Hayden, restaurant.

Mrs. Hayden, who was sleeping on (he premises, awakened to find Ihe bull ling on fire and she, together with Miss Laura Franklin, who occupied the same room, succeeded in escaping in their night at. tire. Two other girls, Miss Effie Bnrgovne and Miss Caroline Hohepa, who were sleeping in a detached room, were aroused by Miss Franklin, and made good their escape. For a young girl, Miss Franklin behaved in a remarkably cool manner, and her presence of mind probably averted a tragedy. The fire commenced at the rear of the shop occupied by Mrs, Hayden, pro. sumabiy in the kitchen, and within an hour the whole building was razed to the ground. Fortunately there was little wind blowing and the fire did not spread. Had there been a strong easterly blowing at the time it is probable that the whole of the buildings on that side of the street would have been demolished and possibly some on the other side.

The two shops, which were valued at £1,600, were insured in the South British office for £9OO, Mr, Watson’s stock in the Victoria Insurance office for £3OO, and Mrs. Hayden’s soda fountain, fittings and furniture in the New Zealand office for £420. All are heavy losers, and particularly Mrs. Hayden, who lost all her valuable personal effects. To make matters worse, her husband, Mr. Victor Hayden, is at present in Auckland undergoing medical treatment.

We understand Mr. Puckey will build at once.