OHAKUNE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19772, 21 February 1927, Page 2

OHAKUNE

EANGATAUA FIRE [ From the “ Chronicle’s ” Special Correspondent. ] The disastrous fire which destroyed a number of business premises at Eangataua early on Friday morning caused damage to the extent of many hundreds of pounds and the destruction of seven shops together with, the Town Hall, which comprise the business portion, directly opposite the railway station will prove calamitous to this flourishing Little township. There arc many opinions as to where the fire started but there is no cluo as to its origin. It is the general opinion, however, that it started in the back portion of the premises occupied by Mrs Palmer as a confectionery shop, or in the vacant shop adjoining. The alarm, was given by Mr A. Dru>who was on night duty in the railway station, and the fire spread with sucu alarming rapidity that M r Hawken and his family were compelled to make a hasty exit in their night attire. Rangataua does not possess firefighting appliances, and with the limited supply of water available attempts to check the flames before they reached the Town Hall were without avail. A bucket brigade, however, after strenuous eforts succeeded in preventing the fire going beyond this point, and with, great difficulty saved the shop and dwelling occupied by Mr Murdie.

Messrs Miniffie (draper) and Scott (bootmaker) saved a portion of the contents of their premises, and everything in the Town Hall including the 4 picture operating apparatus was saved; at Messrs Hawken (stationer), Palmer (confectioner) and Russell (hairdresser) lost everything.