FIRES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 30

FIRES.

PICTURE THEATRE DESTROYED. LEVIN, August 24. Early this morning a fire was discovered in the People’s Picture Theatre at Levin. The outbreak started in the operating box and spread to the dress circle. The brigade succeeded in confining the flames to the roof and circle, being assisted by a steel ceiling and walls. Extensive damage was dne too the furnishings. The theatre was not being used for pictures. The Operatic Society held a rehearsal there the previous night. The building was owned by Mr M. J. Suhan, of Levin, and was leased to J. Rod, of Wellington. The insurances were £4500 on the building, plant, and seating, and £250 on a playerpiano, all in the Royal office. FIRE ON MOERAKI. WELLINGTON, August 24. Slight damage by tire and water was done to the galley of the s.s. Moeraki this afternoon. The brigade received the call at live minutes to 2, and on arrival at the patent slip at Evan’s Bay, where tho vessel is berthed, dense clouds of smoke were seen to bo issuing from the ship, but, after a few minutes the brigade subdued t-ho outbreak. The origin of the fire is so far unknown.

POWER BOARD'S LOSS. BLENHEIM, August 24

The Power Board's store was gutted by fire early this morning. The board suffered the loss of a large quantity of electrical apparatus, including between 40 and 50 transformers.

The building, a large iron shed, was valued at about £2500. and was insured for £2200 in the National office. The electrical steres were worth about £5OOO, and were insured for £3OOO in the State office. A motor truck valued at £545 was insured for £360 in the State office. . The most serious loss is that of the transformers, as it may result in a delay in completing the reticulation of the Spring Creek, Ranaura, and Taiimarina districts. However, there is a possibility that the transformers may be able to be replaced from the New Zealand market. In addition to the board's loss the assistant engineer, Mr T. 11. Ranger, lost his motor car. which was uninsured, and a large quantity of elcetiical books and other data.

SCHOOL RESIDENCE DESTROYED OTAKI, August 26.

The school residence at Waikanae, with its contents, was totally destroyed by fire last night. Nothing was saved. The origin of the outbreak is a mystery.

FOUR-ROOMED COTTAGE DESTROYED.

A four-roomed cottage at Chain Hills, owned by Norman Campbell, of Hillside, and occupied by Archibald Brown, was totally destroyed by fire at 1 a.m. on Tuesday last. It appears that the family, with the. exception of the eldest son, a young man, 19 years of age, had removed to town on the previous day. This young man, who was sleeping on the premises, was awakened by the fire, and escaped in his night attire. Three valuable young collie _dogs, which took fright at the fire, rushed underneath the house and were incinerated. The whole of the furniture was destroyed. It is understood that the building- was insured.