AUCKLAND CHURCH FIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1932, Page 9

AUCKLAND CHURCH FIRE

KA'RANGAHAPE ROAD BUILDING

SERIOUS DAMAGE; ORGAN RUINED

DIFFICULTIES OF BRIGADE WORK.

VICAR CALDER SAVES RECORDS.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Auckland, Last Night. Serious damage was done to the Church of The Epiphany, Karangahape Road, by fire which broke out this evening just about the time of the commencement of disturbances which occurred in the shopping area nearby. The fire apparently broke out in the choir vestry beneath the sanctuary and quickly spread. The flames travelled along the vaulted roof and were breaking out through the northern wall overlooking Karangahape Road when the fire engines arrived. The alarm was given about 9.15 p.m., and by that time the fire had a strong hold of the interior. The fire was soon under control, but great difficulty was experienced in extinguishing the blaze owing to the extreme height of the roof where the timbers were burning in several places. The main damage was done to the organ, which was soon a charred mass. This portion of the building was badlv burned and the whole of the choir library was consumed. The vicar, the Rev. Jasper Calder, was able to save the church records and communion plate. The origin of the fire could not be determined.