TE KUITI FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 10

TE KUITI FIRE

STORE DESTROYED HALL SERIOUSLY DAMAGED SHOP AND GARAGES SAVED LOSS ESTIMATED AT £2OOO [by telegraph—own correspondent] TE KUITI, Sunday The largest fire in To Kuiti for several years occurred last night, when Barmnd and Abraham's store in Taupari Street was destroyed and the adjoining hall badly damaged. Tho damage to the buildings is estimated at well over £2OOO, and there was also a considerable loss of property stored in them. The To Kuiti Fire Brigade saved a shop occupied bv Mr. F. Sparks and garages at the side of the store. AH tho buildings were owned by Barraud and Abraham, Limited, but the Arm has not operated in Tc Kuiti for many

years. Flames Spread Rapidly Fed by heavy roofing felt and paper in the store, the fire spread with startling suddenness, and by the time tho firemen had their hoses out there was no hope of saving tho store, which was tho largest building. The brigade concentrated on keeping tho firo from tho shop, garages and hall. The shop and garages were little damaged, but tho wind worked the flames toward tho hall, ■which was connected to the store by a roof and a woooden floor. Defence Equipment Damaged Considerable damage was done to tho hall and its contents, which included tho instruments of the Te Kuiti Municipal Band and lodge property. Tho store was used as a drill hall, and four machine guns, two trench mortars and about 130 rifles and other Defence Department equipment was kept there. The brigade endeavoured to protect this equipment as much as possible, but it is feared it is badly damaged. Fortunately, a quantity of rifle ammunition was removed a few days ago. Winter Show Affected A large crowd was attracted by the flames, which wore pouring out of the skylights when the brigade arrived. Soon the centre of the roof fell in and later the front wall crashed into the street.

The buildings were insured, but tho amounts arc not known.

The Winter Show Association will be seriously inconvenienced, as there does (not appear to be any other building in Te Kuiti suitable for its purpose.

KARANGAHAPE ROAD SHOP WALLS AND FITTINGS DAMAGED Fire damaged a two-storeyed shop known as Harrison's Confectionery Store, 504 Karangahape Road, during the absence of the occupants about 9.30 o'clock last night. The flames had a strong hold when seen by a passer-by, and before they could be controlled by the central and western districts brigades the interior walls and fittings on "both floors were badly damaged.