DAMAGE BY FIRE

ESTIMATED LOSS £4OOO SERIOUS OUTBREAK AT LEVIN SEVERAL SHOPS AFFECTED [sy TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] LEVIN, Monday The most disastrous fire in Levin for many years occurred in the heart of the business area about midnight last night, causing damage estimated at £4OOO. The fire had a good hold when the brigade arrived and it was suppressed only after.a two-hour battle. The outbreak started in premises occupied by Mr. Horton, painter, and owned by Mr. G. K, Douglas. This fill op was completely gutted. The fire spread to the roof of tlio adjoining premises, owned and occupied by Fuen Key Leong, fruit and vegetable merchant, the- roof being practically burnt out and extensive damage being caused to stock by fire and water. Meanwhile, the roof of the siliop on the other side, occupied by Mr. W. 'Stannard, stationer, had caught alight, but the flames were extinguished immediately. However, stock was damaged by water to the oxtcnt of about £BOO. , Sir. Leong's stock was insured for £6OO with tho Liverpool, London and G-lobo Company, and the shop for £IOOO in the Royal oflico Mr. Stannard's stock was covered to the extent of £ISOO with the Victoria Company.

HOUSE DESTROYED FURNITURE NOT INSURED £from our own correspondent] NGARUAWAHIA. Monday A fivc-roomed dwelling, owned by Mrs. J. Donnelly, of New Plymouth, and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Albert, of River Road, Ngaruawahia, was destroyed by fire on Saturday night. Mr. and Mrs. Albert were absent at the time of the outbreak. Tho fire had a strong hold when the Ngaruawahia Firo Brigade arrived, and efforts were concentrated on saving the adjoining buildings. The houso and contents were a total loss. There was a small insurance policy on tho house, but none on the furniture. Tho Are was the first that had occurred at Ngaruawahia for eight years.

KERIKERI OUTBREAK OWNER'S HEAVY LOSS [by telegraph—own correspondent] WHANGAREI. Monday Firo destroyed the homo of Commander TCeevcs at Kerikcri. Commander Reeves left tho houso shortly before tho outbreak was noticed. The house was a mass of flames and it was impossible to check the. blazo. A considerable amount of valuable furniture, only a portion of which was insured, was lost.