CHURCH TOTALLY DESTROYED

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1933, Page 7

CHURCH TOTALLY DESTROYED

DISASTROUS BLAZE AT HUNTLY. LACK OF NECESSARY FACILITIES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Lack of proper fire fighting facilities was responsible for the total destruction by fire of St. Paul’s Church of England, Huntly, to-night. The fire originated near the ridge of the roof at the rear of the church and although it was observed in its incipient stages nothing could be done as there is no fire brigade at Huntly. When first seen the fire could have been extinguished with a few buckets of water had a long ladder had been available. The fire blazed fiercely for an hour and was spectacular when the tower and bell collapsed into the blazing ruins. Strenuous efforts on the part of the vicar, the Rev. E. R. Wright, and a band of church officials resulted in all the furnishings, including the altar, organ and seats being saved. The church, which was built of wood, with an iron roof, was over 35 years old and was situated in the centre of the town. The Main Trunk railway rims close to the side of the site and it is thought it is possible a spark from a passing engine might have caused the fire. Th«* church was insured by the Church of England Diocesan Pension Board for £5OO in the New Zealand office