FIRES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14492, 2 January 1918, Page 3

FIRES.

An incipient outbreak of ftre occurred about 6 p.m. on Monday in the"- Gisborne East (Kaiti) school, and but for the prompt arrival of the brigade' might have demolished the building. The alarm was given bv :> passing resident ; be was informed by two lads that the school was on -fire, and telephoned to the brigade. Three forms in One of the classrooms were entirely destroyed, and a, patch of the flooring, about 6ft by 3ft, was charred, and indicated that, the flames were just getting a hold when the brigade arrived. There was evidence that books, maps, and other 'articles had been used to assist the fire in getting a hold.' Another attempt was discovered to have been made at the rear of the premises, where dried branched of macrocarpa and other rubbish had been placed under the tank-stand and ignited. The school closed for the siimme. vacation about a fortnight ago, and the doors were shut, the windows, however, being left open for ■ ventilation purposes. An alarm of fire was given about 8.10 o'clock on Monday night, the scene being in a five-roomed house in Wellington street, owned by Mr L. Porter. .< The .. first was apparently subdued, but broke out about half an hour later 'when the brigade's assistance wfc-s again required) to extinguish the flames. . The * house was* practically giitted. As fdr as can be ascertained the piano was insured -in*'the Atlas 'Office for £50, and the." furniture for £200 in the N.Z. Insurance Office. ' y A fire occurred at Whatatutu this morning.- resulting in the destruction of .Mr JV King's " stables. The fire, which occurred .about 11.2*0 a.m., had a. good hold! -when discovered. There was little wind at the time, but it changed shortly afterwards, ' arid for a time the blacksmith's shop adjoining Was in danger. A large band of helpers turned out, and "sis a result of strenuous efforts the fire was confined to the stables, which were burned to tho ground. A good deal of the oontents was saved, but a car which was awaiting new springs and was temporarily out of use, Was destroyed. Some of the employees also lost their;' personal effects. The building was owned! by Mr G. B. Oman, and was insured 1 in the Norwich Union Office, whilst the South British Insurance Co. held a cover for £250 on the vehicles, plant, etc. *_--■--«■_--■_■*----■