BLAZE AT CARTERTON.

Wairarapa Age, 24 September 1923, Page 5

BLAZE AT CARTERTON.

CLUB HOTEL DESTROYED. OCCUPANTS NARROW ESCAPE. (Our Travelling Reporter.) About 1.40 this morning a fire broke out in the Club Hotel at Carterton, which resulted within about an hour in the complete destruction of the building. It is believed the outbreak originated in the kitehen chimney, for it was first discovered in the rooms immediately above. By this time it had a firm hold, and some of the occupants of the building, who numbered nine boarders besides Mr and Mrs Cob lerton and their family, had difficulty in getting away with just what clothes they could seize. .Some small children had to be lowered over the front balcony. The brigade arrived promptly, but the pressure was so low owing to the leak in the main that only one lead could be got to play, and this was utilised to prevent the fire spreading to adjoining buildings. Fortunately there was no wind and the brigade was successful in restricting the damage. The King’s Theatre, which is only a few yards distant, was in most danger, but even the windows, which were protected by sacks, were not broken. By 2.45 the hotel was completely destroyed. The building belonged to Staples and Co., and was built on the site of one which was burned down about 20 years ago. Mr Collerton had been the tenant for about 9 months.