FIRE AT WAIANIWA

Southland Times, Issue 23678, 29 November 1938, Page 8

FIRE AT WAIANIWA

GARAGE AND DWELLING DESTROYED McNeill’s garage and a seven-roomed wooden house next to it were destroyed by fire at Waianiwa yesterday morning. The house was occupied by Mr V. Wilson and owned by Mr W. J. Steans. The destruction of the garage and plant will mean a considerable loss to the proprietor, Mr C. R. McNeill. Although both buildings were completely destroyed, Mr Wilson, with the assistance of a nurfiber of residents, had time to remove his furniture and other possessions. The fire was noticed by Mr Wilson when he went to work at the garage at 7.45 a.m. The flames then had a good hold and a bucket brigade could do nothing to prevent their spreading to the house. The garage burned fiercely, and the house was soon on fire, but the energetic efforts of a bucket brigade and a timely change of wind saved the hall and another house. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is thought it started in a battery-charging room. The garage building was insured for £5OO and the contents for £950 with the Standard Insurance Company. The Alliance Company held a policy for £B5O on Mr Wilson’s house.