Fire at Wainui Store

With its characteristic squeal the siren of the Gisborne Fire Brigade howled out "emergency". Firemen quickly donned helmets and coats, sprang on to the engine and "hot-footed" it for Wainui Beach. So did a large number of spectators.

The sight that greeted firemen and spectators alike was the Wainui Store of Mrs A. N. Hodgson wreathed in smoke and flame.

The fire had apparently been started by a rebellious kerosene stove in the living room and, except for smoke damage to many grocery lines, this was the only room suffering damage.

"Well," said Mrs Hodgson, "it just shows how indestrucible our beloved Winston is. If he can outlast this fire - then so can I."