FIRE IN WELLINGTON

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3182, 26 May 1932, Page 4

FIRE IN WELLINGTON

BLOCK OF BUILDINGS DESTROYED. (By Telegraph. Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A fire which broke out in a residence in Rintoul Street just before one o'clock this morning rapidly spread in a strong southerly gale, and before the flames were subdued a block of buildings between Harvey's Lane on the southern side and Stoke Street on the northern side were completely destroyed. The outbreak is be'ieved to have occurred in one of two houses T on the southern side of the block and in a very short space of time names were shooting skyward, illuminating the whole district. The four, shops destroyed formed a two-storied block. They were occupied by Mrs E. M. Turner, grocer; James Booth, dairy supplier; Burns, butcher; and an Indian fruiterer. Immense showers of sparks and debris which were swept northward down Rintcul Street by high winds were a continual source of danger and anxiety to residents. Many small outbreaks in fences and outhouse roofs occurred, but were promptly suppressed. Details as to the occupants of the house and of any insurances are unavailable.