BIG FIRE IN NELSON.

OUTBREAK IN TRAFALGAR

STREET,

SEVERAL BUILDINGS BURNT

[Peess Association.]

NELSON, March 28. The most d'sastrous firo that has occurred in Melson for mtmy years broke out in a block of wooden shops in Trafalgar Street last right. The fol'owirig premises were totally destroyed : — * Lightband and Co., hoot and Blioe iinnot'tQrs.

Jackson and Co., Ltd., booksellers and- stationers.

W. C. Ancoil. ohemist. Buxton .ir.cf Co., Ltd., ironmongers and genera! merchants, had n bulk tfore running behind the other premises mentioned, aud- this was destroyed also

Bus«.cr.& main ouilding, a larfte brick strisctuie separated from Jac-k----i-on's b}' a narrow right-of-way, was for a long time in great danger, the iire repeatedly breaking into the top. floor. The strenuous efforts of the brigade, however, prevented the spread of the flames in this direction. Buxton and CVs loss, as fai* us the main building it concerned, is confined to that due to heat, smoke, and water.

On the north side the lire was checked by a new brick building owned by Brewm Bros, and occupied by Trathen and Co., drapers. The damage to these premises is slight, being wholly caused by beat and nmoke.

Salvage fr«m Jackson's, . Lightband's and Buxton's bulk store was impossible, but some o.f "Anee'll's stock was got oiat. The dntnago will run ir.to many thousands, of pounds,, 'but estimates .ire not yet available. The insurances on Light-band's stock and JnoK-spn'-nmi Co* buildings and stock, are all .held in tho Alliance office ,and Buxton's in tho Ne-.v Zealand office.

TWe br'gads worked splendidly, bixt was Hampered for some time at a. critical stage of the fire by an inadequate water supply