FIRES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21004, 17 April 1930, Page 12

FIRES.

I OUTBREAK in garage. SIX GABS DESTROYED. ■ (Pee United Peess Association.) AUCKLAND, April 16. . A terrific explosion of oxygen cylinders, ' which hurled iron and other debris 100 ft into the air; was the climax of a destructive fife which demolished- the Rodney Garage in Queen street, Warkworth, this morning, Tlie bmidifig, which was one of the beSt-equipped motor service statious in the township, was constructed' of wood and iron, and in the absence of a water supply for fire-fighting the premises were quickly consumed by the flames which also desroyed the contents. The outbreak was first observed by the boarders in'the hotel almost opposite, and several immediately rushed to the' door and attempted to save some of the contents. They succeeded in dragging out ’ two oxygen cylinders and a second-hand motor car minus its engine before they were driven back by the intense .heat. The blaze spread with lightning-like rapidity and at its height presented n spectacular sight. At one stage another block of buildings, that of the Rodney Times, was threatened' with destruction, but fortunately there was no wind. Two new ears and four other vehicles, besides £2OO worth of tyres, were lost. The premises were owned by Mr J. Thornton, who will be a heavy loser. He estimate the value of the building, plant, and stock at between £4OOO and £SOOO. The total of insurances is only £2500. BILLIARD SALOON DEMOLISHED. (Pep. United Pbess Association.) BLENHEIM, April 16. A large billiard saloon, hairdresser’s, and tobacconist shop in Market street was gutted by fire at about midnight, nothing being saved. The contents of the saloon, which was occupied by Mr B. Priddlt. were covered by a policy for £I2OO in the Phoenix office. ’ The stock and fittings of the hairdressing and tobacco shop, occupied, by Mr Noel Priddlo, were insured for £4OO in the Royal Exchange. The building, whicli was owned by Air J. Adams, was covered by a policy of £BOO in the Farmers’ office. The origin of the outbreak is unknown. LOCAL CALLS. At 5.4.1 p.m. yesterday the City Fire Brigade-answered a malicious false aland to the Octagon. Later in the .evening ajustifiable false alarm received from Nees furniture factory was responsible for the brigade having agaiu to turn out.