COSTLY FIRE.

Wairarapa Age, 27 July 1936, Page 5

COSTLY FIRE.

WOOL STORE DESTROYED AT PORT AHURIRI, LOSS ESTIMATED AT UPWARDS OF £30,000. HASTINGS, July 26. Damage amounting to from £30,000 to £40,000 is estimated to have resulted from a fire which completely gutted the Hawke’s Bay Fanners ’ wool store at Port Ahuriri early this morning. The store and several hundred bales of wool are a complete loss, but the buildings and contents were covered by insurances totalling £33,215. Thirty firemen made a determined effort to save at least part of the store, and although their efforts were unsuccessful they protected a large two-storey wool store adjoining, belonging to Messrs Dalgety and Company. Negotiations have already been started by the Hawke’s Bay Farmers to have a new store erected on the sa ™e site. This is to be begun without delay, for completion before the approaching wool season. The cause of the fire is unknown. The wool store destroyed occupied one and a quarter acres. Three pumping machines were at work and eight hoses were in action. The fire was discovered by a Harbour Board watchman who saw smoke issuing from the 1 j the dlrection of the offices. K„,„ l b T' 3e ’ ® rnved shortly before hn?MbT k anr! -\ 9 °’ < ’' o, ’ k thp whole building was razed to the ground. Accurate details as to the number of bales of wool in the store are not yet Irt'K”’ a " tb r " tr ° ng room has not °.°P ened owin R to the intense heat in its locality. It is to be opened to-morrow morning.—(P.A.)