DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20104, 15 November 1928, Page 14

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

TIMBER MILL NEAR ROTORUA.

DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT £6OOO

STORE ALSO BURNED DOWN

[BY TET.KO tlAl'II. —OWN CORRESPONDENT HOTOKUA. Wednesday.

A fire occurred about 3 a.m. to-day in Messrs. Lees Brothers' timber yard near the Koutn railway station, just past tho Utuhina Bridge. The whole of the stock of timber was destroyed, also tho machinery in the factory. The flames from the burning mass of timber were carried by a strong wind to a shop and dwelling on the adjoining allotment, owned and occupied by Miss Lee. which was destroyed, with tho exception of two rooms. Mr. f,ee stated that following his usual practice he went over the premises about 11 p.m.. when everything seemed all right. At 3 a m he was awakened by the fierce blaze. The lire brigade was called, but the fire had too great a hold to effect a save.

The Haines swept across the footpath and burned ihe overhead high-tension wires which serve the district from flora hora This had the effect of cutting off the powei to milking plants in tho county.

I'lie total damage is estimated at £6OOO, but it is partly covered by insurance.

The fire was situated beyond the water mams, but (lie brigade, by using tho pump and drawing their supply from the lUuhina Stream, provided a splendid stream of water to play on the scene of the fire and prevented it from spreading to surrounding properties.

HOUSE AT TAUMARUNUI

INTENDED FOIi PULLING BOOTH

1 11V TELEGKAPII. PRESS ASSOCIATION. J TAUMARUNUI. Wednesday Early this morning an old house belonging to the Matapuna Ratepayers' Association was destroyed by tire. It was to have been used to-day as a polling boo! h.

MINOR CITY OUTBREAK

(JAS LEFT BURNING IN SHOP

A gas-bumei which had accidentally been left burning overnight in a shop at 161, Hobson Street, was responsible for a small fire to which the City Fire Brigade was called at 7.17 yesterday morning. The shop and four adjoining rooms were occupied by Mr. Hiscock, and contained chemists' supplies. The fire was extinguished by the brigade with the "first-aid" outfit 'before any serious damage was done, one side of the shop being slightly burned. The stock was insured for £SOO in the Express Office and the building for £IOOO in tho Northern Office.