FIREMEN OVERCOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22191, 19 August 1935, Page 8

FIREMEN OVERCOME

WAIHI BUILDING BURNED STOCK VALUED AT £3OOO [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] WATTTT. Sunday A serious outbreak of fire occurred in premises known as Parr's Bargain Stores, in the centre of the business block in Seddon Street, shortly before 11 o'clock on Friday night, and as there was a strong wind blowing at the time and the interior was already a mass of flames, only splendid work by the fire brigade prevented it frcm spreading to the adjoining buildings, which are also of wood. f In quick time the' finjmen had three leads of hose playing water simultaneously over the whole of the flames, but owing to the inflammable nature of much of the stock, which included a quantity of rubber goods, dense pungent smoke overcame some members of the brigade, and they had to be carried out of the building in a semiconscious state. However, they quickly recovered in the fresh air and were able to resume duty. Inside an hour the lire-fighters had the outbreak completely under control, but the premises were gutted from end to end, and the whole of the stock of general merchandise was ruined by fire, smoke and water. Mr. Parr was the last to leave the shop at about 9.30, when apparently everything was safe, and neither he nor tho superintendent of the brigade can off or an opinion as to tho origin of the cutbreak. The stock, valued at about £3OOO, was covered for £I7OO insurance, of which £950 was with the New Zealand Insurance Company and £750 with the British Traders' Company. The building was owned by Mrs. Holt and was insured with the New Zealand Insurance Company for £4OO. The fixtures and fittings were insured for £IOO in the same office.