PRIEST LEADS IN FIRE-FIGHTING WORK AT WAIUKU BLAZE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17882, 25 June 1926, Page 1

PRIEST LEADS IN FIRE-FIGHTING WORK AT WAIUKU BLAZE.

THRILL PROVIDED WHEN ROOF GAVE IN. (Special to the “ Star. ") AUCKLAND, June 25. A spectacular fire occurred in Waiuku shortly after six last night, destroying a wooden block of shops at the lower end of the main street opposite the hotel. The block was one-storeyed and the oldest in the street. It comprised the defence office, A. Magill's motor workshop and garage, J. F. Donnelly’s music studio, Roberts's fish shop, W. Cook’s fish shop, W. M’Ewen’ office. Williams Brothers’ electrical workshop and ' showroom. The stock and fittings from the electrical shop and Donnelly's piano were saved, but Magill’s plant, as well as the contents of the other premises, were destroj-ed. The fire started in Magill’s garage, due to the backfiring of a car. An attempt to push the car outside failed, and the ceiling caught. The rear portion burst into flames which spread quickly, providing an .hour's intense excitement. A general alarm was given and a large crowd organised a bucket brigade. The entire stock of iron baths and buckets from ME wen’s hardware store was reinforced by kerosene tins. A good supply was thus obtained, and soon a steady stream was poured on the flames. A priest, Father Taylor, led a party in an endeavour to save the adjoining premises, but despite an heroic fight they were driven back, and the whole block was soon a roaring furnace. Attention was then turned to saving the hotel and M Ewen s shop opposite as the heat was striking across the street. Blankets were spread against fronts and kept saturated. The bucket 1 brigade proved effective, though two large plate windows cracked. At this stage a young man, Bert James, provided a thrill. He was engaged on ME wen’s verandah when the | iron roof gave, precipitating him on to the heads of the people below. One lady fainted. James was unhurt. The progress of the fire on the town side stopped in a vacant allotment 1 twenty feet wide next to which is a . brick shop. At the rear was the estuary and on the lower side the approach to the wharf. The total length of the block is 130 feet. The glare of the fire was seen many miles off.