PRINCES STREET FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 8

PRINCES STREET FIRE

OLD BUILDING DAMAGED FLAMES SOON EXTINGUISHED One of the oldest wooden buildings in Auckland, which stands next to the Grand Hotel in Princes Street, was damaged by fire on Saturday afternoon. It was among the first buildings in Princes Street, and at one stage comprised Government offices, tor some time past it has been used as a changing-room for porters at the adjacent hotel. The property belongs to Hancock and Company, Limited. The fire was discovered by a member of the hotel staff, who gave the alarm from a street box near by. Two engines from the central station and one from Parnell were sent, and although the fire was sweeping rapidly through the ancient timber, it was checked promptly, and a good save was made. Tbe origin of the fire is unknown. The outbreak apparently commenced in one of the back rooms of the singlestorey structure, and the flames quickly gained a hold. When the brigadesmen am zed, the fire had spread through to the front of the building, and a tew pieces of furniture were also ablaze. Personal belongings in the building were saved, and the flames were extinguished within a few minutes.

There were few signs externally that there had been a fire, but several rooms were damaged extensively inside. No details of insurances were available yesterday.

HOROTIU HOME BURNED VALUABLE HOUNDS SAVED [by telegraph OWN correspondent] HAMILTON. Sunday A five-roomed house at Horotiu. owned by Mr. E. A. Hall and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. H. Treminger, was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. Nobody was home at the time and the building was badly damaged. Eight valuable beagles, owned by Mr. T. E. Pearson, of Sydney, were saved by passing truck drivers just as the shed in which they were housed was catching fire. The house and contents were covered by insurance.