FIRE AT RAGLAN

Waikato Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6387, 29 March 1904, Page 2

FIRE AT RAGLAN

OKEI'E CHURCH DESTROYED. On Saturday morning last, between eight and nine o'clock, the Okete Church was destroyed by fire. A scrub fire had occurred the previous day on Mr William Belcher's property, and this fire had spread to some of the puriri posts in the tence enclosing the church grounds, and it is assumed that sparks from the burning timber had been blown to the church building and thus started the conflagration. A very high wind was blowing at the time. The building stood on a hill and was conspicuous for some miles around. It was erected between thirty and forty years ago and was the property of the Wesleyan body. Recently the church was renovated inside and out, a new iron roof put on it, and a new organ provided, the work being carried out by working bees and the materials purchased by subscription. It is not known whether the owners had any insurance on the building ; there was none on the organ. The Congregational body will probably take steps to acquire the site with a view to the erection of a new Church thereon.