BOY'S SCHOOL ABLAZE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1920, Page 7

BOY'S SCHOOL ABLAZE.

iDESTKUCTIVE EIRE AT WAITAKI ONE WING DESTROYED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Oamaru, Sept. 22. A disastrous fire at Waitaki Boyß' High School occurred this morning. When discovered about one o'clock it had a strong hold, and as the water supply was limited to a lj-inch pipe, the fire brigade was unable to render any assistance. By means of the school hose and buckets, the masters and pupils and volunteers succeeded in preventing the fire extending from the new wing, where it originated, to other portions of the buildings. The part destroyed included the art room, with a comprehensive stock ol models, etc.; home science rooms, with a big stock of chemicals -and elaborate paraphernalia; several class-rooms, music-rpoms, school cups and trophies, and a great collection of valuable pictures, the property of the rector, with which the walls of the rooms and corridors were adorned. The walls of the building were of Oamaru stone, and a large part is still standing, the other portion being blown out by an explosion of chemicals in the laboratory.. The workers succeeded in saving a good deal of the contents, but much that is irreplaceable was destroyed. The total loss cannot yet be determined, but it is likely to reach fully £IO,OOO, which will be partly covered by insurance. The school only resumed yesterday after the term are in residence. The dormitories, a number of class-rooms, and the boarding part were untouched, and it is hoped to be- able to carry on work. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Later. The wing destroyed contained four class-rooms, four laboratories, art room, and six < small music rooms, originally costing for the first furnishing £7200. The total insurances thereon are £3OOO, divided between the Victoria and Yorkshire offices. •. The fire appears to have originated above the ceiling in the class-room adjoining the art room. All the rooms had been examined shortly before ten o'clock, when everything appeared all right. The board this morning arranged temporary means for carrying on the school work, and preliminary steps were taken for reinstatement.