FIRES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3885, 28 August 1928, Page 65

FIRES.

OLD LANDMARK DISAPPEARS. AUCKLAND. August 23. One of the old landmarks of Panmure disappeared early this morning when the post office and general store, situated in the main street alongside'the public hall, went up in smoke. All that remains consists of a few sheets of iron. Intense heat was caused by the flames, and the windows in the premises on the opposite side of the street were broken. After the fire a safe containing all the postal matter was secured and taken to the chief post office for examination. The structure was a very old two-storey building of seven rooms, occupied by Mr George Farr and family. The owners of the property were Messrs A. and I. Hogan. The building was insured with the Guardian office for £350. Air Farr carried a large stock, the insurances on which are not available, but he considers himself a heavy loser. The fire originated alongside a chimney situated in the centre of the building. The occupants had attended the pictures and returned home about 10.30. They lit a fire, had supper; and retired for the night, leaving everything apparently safe. At 3.30 a.m. Mr Farr was. awakened to find the greater portion of the building in flames. He roused others, who escaped from the place -only l-partly dressed and leaving all their personal effects behind. SIX-ROOMED HOUSE DESTROYED. DARGAVILLE, August 23. A fire at 8.30 last evening practically destroyed a six-roomed, house at Awakino road, owned by J. Bershing, and occupied by H. Potter. The fire had a good hold when the alarm was given. The house, which was a fairly old one, burnt fiercely. Mr Potter was in bed at the time of the outbreak. Three of his children, who were in the house at the time, were, with the assistance of a neighbour, successfully rescued. Very little of the effects were saved. The house was insured, but the amount was not available. There was no insurance on the furniture. The occupant's loss is fairly substantial. ESCAPE FROM BURNING HOUSE. GISBORNE, August 24. Mr and Mrs L. Wyllie escaped from their house in Cobden street in their night attire when tire building was discovered in flames early this morning. Nothing was saved.