EIGHT NEW CARS LOST IN FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18640, 18 December 1928, Page 1

EIGHT NEW CARS LOST IN FIRE.

MOTOR GARAGE BLAZE WAS SPECTACULAR. (Special to the “Star”) STRATFORD, December 18. The most spectacular fire in Stratford for many years occurred at four o’clock this morning, when a large wooden building used by the Farmers’ Co-op. as the headquarters for the motor department, was destroyed, only the charred remains of ’ the front wall being left. The fire had’a good hold - when it was discovered and the brigade's task was hopeless from the start, though they put up a splendid fight. The adjoining premises, the Empire Hotel, were saved without much damage. Fortunately the wind was blowing to the soiith, in which direction the Patea Ri'tfer separated the burning structure from other buildings. The whole place was a raging inferno when the brigade arrived, the flames being fed by a large quantity- of oils stored on the premises. Over twenty cars were destroyed, including eight new ones, which were- just imported. Several explosions occurred, but thefce were of a minor nature. No one was injured. The gaffage ‘was' full J of ‘ cars last night, there being no room for others, several people as a .result taking their machines elsewhere. The insurances on the private cars are'.not known, but it is anticipated that the loss sustained by the firm exceeds the. insurance- bv over £IOOO. “ • - -