FLAT GUTTED BY FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23492, 5 May 1938, Page 12

FLAT GUTTED BY FIRE

TOP FLOOR OF BUILDING REMAINDER SAVED BY BRIGADE (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 4. The top floor of the four-storeyed Scorching Bav Cabaret and Tea Room building was gutted by a spectacular outbreak of fire shortly before 7.30 o'clock this evening. But for the smart work by the Wellington Fire Brigade and a fortunate drop in a fairly strong wind which had been blowing earlier in the evening, the fire might easily have razed the whole building and set fire to neighbouring houses. The top floor was occupied as a flat by Mr R. McKeen. a son of Mr R. McKeen, M.P.. and his wife and child, who however, have been absent for several days. Mr McKeen, who made a call last evening, left shortly before the outbreak was noticed. Mr A. J Bailey, lessee of the cabaret and the building, who was on the ground floor with his wife, was told by a passer-by shortly before 7.30 that the top floor was on fire, and by that time the flames had a strong hold. Mr Bailey rushed to the family's living quarters on the second floor, and secured his wallet, and the family made a saff exit. The three remaining floors of the building were preserved intact, and, although some damage was done by water this was reduced to a minimum by the covering of stock by salvage shcGts. The cause of the outbreak has not been fixed, but it was suggested that it might have been due to a shortcircuit in the electric wiring. The switchboard for the building was on the top floor. The blazing building made a prominent landmark in the bay, and a large crowd soon gathered. A house south of the cabaret and close to it had a close escape. It was probably saved by the initiative of a neighbour, who secured a long length of garden hose and played it on the wall, which was well blistered by the heat.