BIG FIRE AT GORE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18538, 8 April 1930, Page 9

BIG FIRE AT GORE.

FIVE TRADESMEN BURNT OUT. By Telegraph—Preo* Association. GORE, April 7. A disastrous fire at 5 o’clock on Sunday morning, completely destroyed a large building in the main street, owned by Mr G. C. Hamilton, jeweller. The occupiers were Mr George Brown (billiard saloon), Messrs Steel Bros, (grocers), Messrs Grants, Ltd. (chemist), Mr Charles Steans (tobacconist), and Mr Maurice Howe (hairdresser) . The fire started in a billiard saloon upstairs, which was a roaring furnace before the brigade arrived. The fire evidently started long before the discovery. A strong easterly wind fanned the flames, and the firemen faced a difficult and dangerous task in negotiating the glass roof of the building. The water pressure at first was slow, but was strengthened by cutting off supplies to other parts of the town. The danger was increased by the billiard tables falling through the floor to the shops below. A great save was effected by 11 a.m.. the only other damage being to the lounge of the Cosy Tea Rooms, where the ceiling was partly destroyed, and further damaged by water. The fire revived in Messrs Steel Bros.’ shop early this morning, but was quickly subdued. Great hardship falls on the tradesmen concerned, as there are no vacant premises in town, and all the builders are already fully employed. Mr Steans has now suffered four fires and two floods during his business career. The insurances on the buildings were £4OOO. Stean’s stock £800; Howe, £45 and Steel Bros. £2500. Very little was saved owing to the extreme heat and the fall of heavy furnishings and glass.