BOARDERS HAD LUCKY ESCAPE FROM FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18149, 7 May 1927, Page 1

BOARDERS HAD LUCKY ESCAPE FROM FIRE.

PALMERSTON N. HOTEL PARTLY DESTROYED. Per Press AesoctationPALMERSTON NORTH. May T. A second and more disastrous fira occurred at 3.30 o'clock this morning, when the brigade was called to an ouV break in the Occidental Hotel, a large two-storey structure m standing at the corner of the Square and Fitzherbert Street. The flames had a big hold on the portion of the building on the corner and appeared to have broken out in the bar. This part was soon a roaring mass of flames, and the clock tower, a feature of the building, was soon enveloped. Fortunately the little wind that was blowing was from the east and assisted to keep the flames from the main block. As a result this part mostly escaped serious damage, but a good portion of the building was destroyed. The building was owned by the Borough Council and leased to Dwan’s. The licensee was Mr Bradley, whose lease expired and he had advertised a clearing sale of furniture at an early date. Those on the premises were the licensee, his wife, five employees and eight boarders, who had considerable difficulty in making their escape, so quickly did the flames spread. A Chinese cook was severely burned about the face and hands, and was sent to hospital. The wing of the building was saved runs along the square over some £hops. The brigade concentrated on saving these, but the contents were damaged by smoke and water. The premises affected were Chrystall, tobacconist; Just, nurserymen; Worrall, bootmakers; and Byers confectionery stock. Messrs D. M. George, draj>ers, also suffered damage from water. The insurances are not available yet.