A disaster was narrowly averted by the prompt action of passers by when the garage premises of the Rushden Engineering Co., in High-Street South, caught fire on Friday evening last.  As it was, two cars, a new saloon and a two seater, were totally destroyed.

  Mr. A Coleman, who resides near by, was one of the first to notice the outbreak.  He immediately went to Mrs. Bird, the secretary, for the keys and with her, removed the books and the money.  In the meantime, the Fire Brigade were telephoned for by Mr. A. Jaques.  The alarm was also raised by Mr. C. Clifton, of Victoria-road, who with Mrs. Clifton, was walking nearby.  He saw flames and sparks issuing from the skylights and at once went to the Post Office to telephone for the brigade.

  The brigade, under Captain R. F. Knight, made an extremely speedy turnout with the motor pump and tender.  The call was received at 8.26 p.m. and they were out in three minutes.  Thanks to their work the premises were soon out of danger.

  The garage was left in perfect condition by the principal, Mr. R. Cammel, at 8 o’clock, and it is thought that the fire was caused by the fusing of the electric light wires in one of the cars.