DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18104, 31 May 1922, Page 8

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

MOTOR WORKS BURNED. OUTBREAK AT OEAEAWAI.

TWO CARS DESTROYED. [UT TZLKG HAITI. —OWN CORBEf.yONDSNT.] WHANGAItEI, Tuesday. A destructive fire broke oat just after midnight in the Triangle motor works, Ohaeawai, near Kaikohe. The mechanics had work<sd until 10.30 o'clock laat night. The fire was noticed about 12.15 a.m., and when help was called the flames had obtained too strong a hold of the interior to be quenched. A lorry and two motor-cars were saved, but a motor-cycle and two other cars were destroyed. The damage is said to be partly covered by insurance.

BAKERY DESTROYED.

AN UNEXPLAINED INCIDENT. [BT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORHISSrONDEKT.] PALMERSTON NOETH. Tuesday. A fire occurred at Longburn yesterday morning, when Birch's two-storeyed wooden bakehouse, together with a garage, stable, and hayrick were totally destroyed. The fire was first discovered at about 2.45 a.m. Mr. Birch and his family, on being aroused, were only successful in saving a motor-car and motor delivery van before the flames took complete possession of the main premises and outbuildings. Mr. Birch had only quite recently completed the purchase of complete bread-making machinery, which, together with 15 tons of flour stored on an upper floor, was completely ruined. Mr. Birch's property was covered by a policy for £800, but his loss is more than double this amount. Six years ago Mr. Birch was burned out of premises on the other side of the i line which he then occupied. He ia unable to account for the outbreak, as everything was in order and the oven fires were out at eight o'clock in the evening. At one o'clock Mrs. Birch and come of the children sleeping in the house were awakened by the sound of a motorbicycle which apparently drove past the house into the. bakery yard and si a few minutes was driven away again. No light has yet been thrown on this incident.