EARLY MORNING FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 303, 24 December 1945, Page 4

EARLY MORNING FIRE

SLIGHT DAMAGE TOST. MARY’S CHURCH

BRIGADE’S GOOD SAVE The alertness of a constable on beat duty in Victoria Avenue and prompt action by the Wanganui Fire Brigade prevented serious damage to St. Mary's Catholic Church when a fire occurred in a corner of the sacristy early yesterday morning. While patrolling Victoria Avenue Constable D. O. Ruscoe became aware of a smell of smoke. Investigations showed that the south-eastern comer of the sacristy at. the rear of the church, was on fire. Constable Ruscoo gave the alarm from the street box at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Maria Plaoe. Within two minutes of the call being received at 12.48 a.m. at Central Station, the brigade was in Watt Street, at the back of the church, fully equipped for dealing with a major outbreak in the city area. One corner of the church was well . alight and the fire had a good hold < when the brigade arrived, but a lead of hose suppressed the flames in a matter of seconds and the finishing touches were given by bucket pump. ’Jhe firn started between the weather boards and the linings of the wall which provided a funnel for the rapid spread of the flames Structural damage was confined to the walls and ceiling in this corner which were gutted. Several of the church vestments were damaged, this being a more serious aspect of the fire. Superintendent N. M. Ross, who was in charge of the brigade when it turned out, said yesterday that the early call was the essence of the contraci. adding that the constable’s alertness was greatly appreciated. “This fire could have had a great hold before it was noticed. In a few more minutes there would have been a conflagration,” said Superintendent Ross. The parish Driest, Father M. J. Burke, S.M., said the brigade had made an excellent save. “No praise is too high for them,” he added. St. Marv’s Church has been a landmark in Wanganui’s main street for nearly 70 vears. It was blessed and dedicated in the last century by the late Archbishop Redwood, and early in the present century was extended. The cause of the fire is unknown.