THE OPOTIKI FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9927, 17 September 1895, Page 5

THE OPOTIKI FIRE.

A fire broke oub early in the morning of the 10th in the Masonic Hall, ChurchThe fireball gave prompt notice and many willing hands were soon ab work with buckets, axes, etc. This building was occupied by Mr. J. J. Austin, bootmaker and auctioneer, and Mr. Beere, watchmaker. The latter, who was the only person sleeping on the premises, made his exit through the window. The building, which was of iron of two storeys, the upper storey being occupied by the Masonic Lodge, was very soon a wreck, and the tiro spread bo Carroll's buildings adjoining. About half of these were destroyed. The buildings were occupied by Mr. Austin as a shop and dwelling and by Mr. McDonald, commission agent. The rest of the buildings which were saved were occupied by Mr. Carroll, tailor, who loses heavily by damage to the building and in removal of stock. The Masonic Hotel on the south side was only saved by great exertion and because of the calmness of the early morning. . Mr. Austin is a heavy loser, his stock and tools being destroyed. He was uninsured, and a subscription was started for his benefit at once. The other occupiers are more or less insured, tho risks being divided as follows :— Air. Beera, stock and tools, £75 in the National ; Masonic Hall, £200 in the South British ; Masonic regalia, £60 in the New Zealand, and Mr. Carroll, £300 in South British. The proximity of this part of the township to the river would enable a wellled bucket brigade to do good service ab a fire. The way the people worked showed that only a little discipline is required and a leader to say where the axes arc to be plied and what walls are to be knocked down, etc.—[Uwn Correspondent.]