Voice Report from Gavin_Cummings (voice-message.wav)

   "Hello. This is Gavin Cummings, reporting a gas leak at a historic sight the...Lister Block in down town Hamilton. Activity came to a halt, on King Williams Street yesterday evening as gas poured out of one of Hamilton's most historic buildings. Residents in the area were left in a panic and shop keepers were told to close down for the day. The imposing 6 story retail office building, known as The Lister Block, has been a prominent down town land mark since it's construction in 1923. It's height, corner location, large double street frontage and architectural design have all contributed to a dominant character. As Hamilton's oldest surviving major retail office complex, with a licensure arcade, The Lister Block also ranks among the city's best surviving examples of the decorative views of Terra Cotta. This building is one of the distinctive buildings designed by a local architectural firm, Bernard Prack & Co who also designed the tall gothic-inspired, 1929 Pigott Building. With it's solid steel framed construction, The Lister Block is a prime candidate for adaptive re-use. The resurrection of the significant building, will promise a vibrant street life at the corner of King William and James. Police had no official comment but sources say, that the gas eruption started when a group of teens, gained illegal access to the condemned building. Once inside, the youths started throwing beer bottles and making noise. The fire department was told, a fire could have been brewing on the 3rd floor. Police and the Fire Department searched the building and found no sign of fire. Union Gas ws called in, to shut off the gas supply to this building (So the pipes could be repaired). Buses had to be re-routed and the street wouldn't be reopened until the early hours of the morning. "