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Salvage work Difficult
Home Guardsmen and the household staff did what they could to salvage the contents of the building but the smoke soon became so dense that little could be done. Some bedding and crockery were saved but the bulk of the contents was destroyed.
At the time of the fire only one guest was staying in the house but more were expected on Monday. A year ago there were four boarding-houses at Halfmoon Bay but the loss of Greenvale House now leaves only one open. As heavy bookings were expected for the Easter holidays the accommodation problem will be somewhat acute.
The boarding-house was insured for £2000 and there was a cover of £800 on the furniture but replacement costs would be heavy these times and the loss will be considerable. The building was owned by Miss B.J. Thomson, a sister of Mr C.V. Thomson, who took over the management from his sisters several years ago. The late Mr J.R. Thomson arrived in Stewart Island in 1876, where he was engaged in farming, fishing and mining. When in 1886 the licensed house in the Island was given up he opened what was destined to become one of the most popular establishments on the Island and a familiar landmark.
Boarding House Destroyed
Fire At Stewart Island
Fire which broke out early last evening completely destroyed Greenvale House, one of the boarding-houses at Stewart Island. It was conducted by Mr and Mrs C.V. Thomson. Only some bedding, crockery and kitchenware were saved. The local unit of the Home Guard, which was parading at the time, endeavoured to help in salvaging part of the contents of the building, but was hindered by thick smoke.
Greenvale House, which has been owned and conducted by the Thomson family for many years, was a two-storied wooden building of 30 bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, two public sitting rooms and staff bed and living rooms. It was situated at the south-east end of Halfmoon Bay. It had enjoyed considerable popularity with the traveling public and had accommodated many overseas tourists who visited the island. During the recent summer season it was well patronized. Together with detached buildings it had accommodation for about 100 guests.
The fire was first noticed while the household was having its evening meal. It apparently originated in the boiler room of the hot water service in the basement at the back of the main building. An effort was made to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, but they already had too strong a hold and in the absence of water for fighting it, the fire rapidly spread through the building. There was no wind at the time, but the dry timber burned readily.
Home Guardsmen Assist
The household staff did what they could to salvage the contents of the building and Home Guardsmen were quickly on the scene to assist, but the rooms were soon thickly enveloped in smoke and it was difficult to do anything effective. Some bedding, blankets, crockery and kitchenware were saved, but the furniture and the great bulk of the rest of the contents were destroyed.
Only one guest was staying in the house at the time, but more were due to arrive on Monday. The destruction of the boarding-house will restrict the accommodation at the island. A year ago there were four boarding-houses at Halfmoon Bay, but one was closed down later. Another has already closed down for the season and last night’s fire left only one open. Heavy bookings were expected for the Easter holidays.
Greenvale House was insured for £2000 and there was a cover of £800 on the furniture. In view of the present high costs of building and furnishing the insurances are far below replacement costs and there will be heavy loss. The building was owned by Miss B.J. Thomson, a sister of Mr Victor Thomson, who took over the management from his sisters several years ago. The Thomson family has been prominent at Stewart Island since the early surveying days.
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