UNEXPECTED INTERLUDE
COURT PROCEEDINGS INTERRUPTED FIRE IN LAW LIBRARY , VALUABLE BOOKS DAMAGED (Per United Press Association) * HASTINGS, Nov. 29. An unexpected interlude interrupted a civil case in the Napier Supremo Court to-day when a strong smell of burning pervaded the court room and the fire siren sounded. Counsel paused in the middle of an address remark, “I fear the court is afire, your Honor.” “H’m,” replied Mr Justice Blair, "1 thought those blowlamps would set us alight before now.” The hearing of the case proceeded. The outbreak occurred at a corner in the law library while the building was being prepared for painting. The wood had apparently been smouldering for some time, and when discovered the fire was blazing fiercely between the outer and the inner walls. A painter smashed a window to gain access to the library and the fire brigade was called. The blaze was extinguished promptly, but water' and chemicals seriously damaged valuable books. During the fire solicitors, clerks and other court officials assisted in the # - removal of books from the library.
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Otago Daily Times, Issue 23670, 30 November 1938, Page 8
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175UNEXPECTED INTERLUDE Otago Daily Times, Issue 23670, 30 November 1938, Page 8
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