BIG BLAZE

Southland Times, Issue 20111, 23 February 1927, Page 6

BIG BLAZE

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

OUTBREAK IN LUNA AMUSEMENT PARK FLAMES SPREAD RAPIDLY (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, February 22. Portion of the buildings at the Luna Amusement Park was razed to the ground this evening by a spectacular fire. The buildings ruined comprised the tea rooms and cabaret, the offices of the secretary and his staff and the “Fun Factory.” In addition a large portion of the scenic railway which traversed the top of the building disappeared in the flames. The management estimates the damage at £lO,OOO. The fire broke out with startling suddenness. The park was closed to the public at the time, but Mr B. W. Beaumont, secretary and manager of the Park, was in the office with two other members of his office staff. They were engaged in tallying the receipts of the afternoon when suddenly a muffled explosion was heard. Owing to the presence of the Renown in the harbour, this was passed off lightly. Then one of the men opened the door to go into the outer office and found the building filled with smoke. Mr Gilmour dashed back into the building to get the money and some papers that were in the safe, but so quickly had the flames spread that it was impossible for him to enter the office. He next made a fruitless attempt to rescue two carriages on part of the scenic railway endangered by the flames. Three fire engines were engaged in the task of fighting the fire and after a hard struggle succeeded in preventing the spread of the flames to other parts of the building. CAUSE A MYSTERY. MONEY AND PAPERS RECOVERED. Auckland, February 22. The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. The electric current serving the various devices had been switched off. Luna Park is insured, but the amount is not available. After the fire about £lOO in money and a number of papers which were in the safe in the office were recovered unharmed.