DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17409, 23 May 1928, Page 11

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

GARAGE DESTROYED. WHAKATANE, Tuesday. The most spectacular fire that has occurred in Whakatanc for many years completely destroyed the Royal Mail Company's garage in Wairere Street last evening. The building, a large wooden one, which had been used as a motor garage for the past ten years, burned very fiercely. The fire brigade directed its main effort to saving the adjoining buildings, which consisted of a benzine store and bowser and the old Wairere Hall, now used as a sample room. Although the flames appeared to leap over the adjoining bui.ldings the brigade were' successful in their efforts to save them. Six motor cars contained in the building were destroyed. A car placed there by Mr C. Wallace, of the Royal Mair Company, a few minutes before the outbreak was a new Hudson, while Mr While, machinery inspector, also garaged an Armstrong Siddeley car belonging to his department in the building shortly before the fire. The other cars were a Buick, belonging to Sargood, Son and Ewen; a Dodge, belonging to Mr G. Peagram; a Ford, belonging to Mr J. A. Ruddy and Mc W. R. Sloane, and a Chevrolet belonging to Mr E. W. Beckett. There was no insurance on the cars of Messrs Ruddy and Sloane or Mr Peagram, but it is understood there arc covers on the building and the other cars. •