FIRE AT WAIRAKEI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18130, 30 June 1922, Page 6

FIRE AT WAIRAKEI.

OLD HOTEL BUILDING. FLAMES MAKE CLEAN SWEEP LARGE LIQUOR STOCKS LOST. £BT TELEGBAPH. —OWN COftBESPONDENT.] ROTORUA, Thuwd*7. At 3.30 o'clock this morning the old hotel Wildings, bar, and bulk store at Wairakei were burned to the ground. Mrs. Bryant, the manager's wife, was disturbed by strange sounds and aroused her husband. Being accustomed to weird night noises as the result of the earthquakes no immediate notice was taken. As the sounds were again heard he lifted the blind, and was astonished to see the old hotel buildings biasing fiercely. Rushing across and summoning aid the manager found Mr. and Mrs. Baker, who lived in the building, sound asleep. There was bardy time to wake them and secure a few personal effects before the whole building was a mass of flames. The large pine trees were lit up by lurid blua flames from the burning whisky and spirits in the store. Two gas cylinders exploded with a teirific report. The night was calm, and a huge column of flame went directly upwards. Part of the building was used as al store for the summer equipment. Tents, stretchers, beds, and bedding were stacked to the roof. Not a stick was saved, and only iho old chimney stack rtjuains ta mark the place.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker had a most narrow escape, a few minutes onlj elapsing before the flames burst through. The building was very old, but was sound, and contained a heavy stock of liquor. The old dining room was used as a sitting room for the staff, and a large fir« was usually kept going. The post office waa only divided by tots roadway, and had a narrow escape. The origin of the firo is unknown. The main hotel building was not damaged in any way.

The building destroyed was owned by the Wairakei, Ltd., and was insured for £300 in the Sun office. The contents•were insured for £1260 in the same office.