The Hawera and Normanby Star of 21 May 1914 reported:
Fire At Shannon.
Business Premises Destroyed
In a big fire at Shannon early this morning, Merwood's refreshment rooms, Hook's billiard saloon, Jenkins' saddlery, and Richardson's butchery were destroyed. Nothing whatever was saved. Merwood, Hook, and Richardson were not insured. The buildings, the property of Mrs Curran, were insured for £360. The temporary premises of the Bank of New Zealand had a narrow escape.