HOTEL SAVED IN BLUFF FIRE

Southland Times, Issue 23651, 28 October 1938, Page 2

HOTEL SAVED IN BLUFF FIRE

YOUNG MEN’S HEROIC EFFORTS GRATITUDE EXPRESSED BY PROPRIETOR The action of several young men ■who, at considerable inconvenience and discomfort, saved the Golden Age Hotel from serious damage in the disastrous fire at Bluff on Tuesday by voluntarily fighting the flames has caused favourable comment at the port and earned the gratitude of the proprietor (Mr J. D. Ballantyne). While the efforts of the brigade were concentrated on the tremendous task of saving four shops from destruction, a number of young men, realizing the danger to which the hotel was exposed, worked strenuously to save the building. The fjames from a blazing fruit shop were licking the wall of the hotel, assisted by a strong north-westerly wind. , Most of the windows along the wall were broken by the intense heat and flames were entering the rooms of the hotel. Asbestos shutters were placed over the window frames, but the flames came through the crevices and caught the walls and the lower part of the roof. Voluntary assistance was given by these men, who drew buckets of water from the tanks at the rear of the hotel and attacked the flames. Hampered by smoke, they worked tirelessly until the possibility of further damage was removed.

“I cannot express my gratitude sufficiently,” said Mr Ballantyne yesterday. “These men were not asked to assist but, without any thought for themselves, lent themselves to a difficult task and saved the hotel from extensive damage.” Several of the men suffered bums and all were drenched with water in their successful attempt to check the onrush of the. flames. Had they not taken immediate action the sum of £12,000 to £14,000 in insurance would have been involved, said Mr Ballantyne. That men should leave their beds early in the morning and set themselves this task impressed him very much and he was profoundly grateful.