Contemporary News Reports

The Press, 19 November 1947

Page 7:

• 29 known dead - Ballantynes building destroyed - 20 Missing; all bodies not yet recovered - Employees trapped in blaze
• Woman’s fatal injuries - Jump from third storey - Two have lucky escape
• Loss put at 500,000 pounds - Demolition of walls probable - Colombo Street roped off

Page 8:

• Many volunteer workers - Servicemen and civilians - Crowd kept back by hose
• Telephone exchange overloaded

Star-Sun, 19 November, 1947

Page 1:

• Strict Control for Traffic in City
• Police carry on search to find victims

Page 3:

• Grim job for searchers in gutted store
• People urged not to visit the morgue

Page 4:

• Other buildings threatened
• Last survivor of fire underwent terrible ordeal
• Fire Debris Falls Far from Scene

Star-Sun, 20 November, 1947

Page 3:

• A lucky girl to be late
• Lights in Ballantyne’s failed but assistants continued their duties
• Search among ruins delayed by danger from damaged wall
• Government to set up commission to enquire into fire
• Tragedy dims enthusiasm for wedding

The Press, November 20, 1947

• Page 6: Recovery of 39 bodies

The Press, 24 November, 1947

• Page 2: Safety ropes (letter)
• Page 6: Civic funeral in Christchurch

The Press, 26 November, 1947

• Page 6: Ballantyne’s buildings

People’s Voice, 26 November, 1947

• Page 1: Fire tragedy must not be repeated