FIRES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 51

FIRES.

OUTBREAK IN MOTOR GARAGE. AUCKLAND, August 19. Eire which broke out at about 11.30 last evening destroyed Stuart's Motor Service garage in Great North road, Avondale, together with eight or nine cars which were stored in it. Residents in the locality were awakened by the sound of an explosion, probably caused by the bursting of a tin of benzine. The building is of galvanised iron with a wooden framework, and when ' ■. local volunteer brigade arrived it wa> enveloped in flames. The reflection lit up the whole district, and soon a crowd had gathered. Two strong leads of water wore available, but the operations of the firemen were hampered by dense volumes of smoke, made especially dangerous by strong rubber fumes from the burning tyres. The flames were soon under control, but not before extensive damage had been done. Efforts were made to save the motor cars, and the firemen managed to push two out into the street. One of these, however, was practically a mass of wreckage. The other, which was standing by a door, eseaped with little damage. The six cars left in the garage were all badly burned, and after the fire the remains of most of them were found resting on the metal rims with the hoods burned away. One of thecars was new, while most of the others were in good condition. It is estimated that the value of the destroyed cars is about £3OOO. . Stuart's garage is the largest in the district, and is situated a few yards past the Avondale Post Office. It is understood that it was closed up for the night early in the evening, and the cause of the outbreak is a mystery.

TEA KIOSK DAMAGED. WELLINGTON. August 19.

Three rooms of the Newtown Park kiosk were destroyed by fire early this morning, and a bedroom was badly damaged. The kiosk, which was used as a combined tea room and private residence, was owned by the City Council, and occupied by Mrs Alice Hilda Cousins. The contents were insured for £6OO in the Royal office, and thebuilding for £BOO in the Standard office.

DWELLING DESTROYED. WELLINGTON, August 19.

At 6 o’clock to-night a five-roomed house at 153 Grafton road, Roseneath, owned by Mr J. C. Little, and occupied by T. Lawrence, was totally destroyed by fire. Nothing was saved Damage was also caused to an adjoining house, owned by Mr Sutherland, and occupied by Mr A. Rendel. The occupants of the destroyed building were absent at the time, and there was a very strong southerly wind blowing.