FIRE SCENE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23010, 11 April 1938, Page 12

FIRE SCENE

OLD CATHEDRAL WORSHIP STOPPED CLEEGY FIGHT FLAMES ORGAN PIPES FELLED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received April 10, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 10

During the singing of the first psalrd at Evensong in Norwich Cathedral last evening, fire broke out in the organ loft. The choristers continued to sing and commenced tho second psalm unaccompanied, while two lay clerks in surplices attempted to check the flames with hand fire extinguishers.

The cathedral became filled with smoke and the service was abandoned. Clergy and choristers then joined in efforts to control the outbreak.

The firo brigade arrived and hacked down the massive organ pipes, which crashed into tho choir, but the loth century choir stalls, which are unique in Britain, suffered little damage.

Water from the hoses cascaded along the aisles and the fire was subdued in an hour.

The organ, which is valued at several thousands of pounds, and surrounding portions of the edifice, were seriously damaged. The services to-day will be accompanied by music from a harmonium.