FIRES In THE SOUTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3560, 6 January 1882, Page 2

FIRES In THE SOUTH.

(_Y TELEd-APII- PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

NAPIER, Thursday. Mr BLACKBtritN's rope factory, at Hastings, having been burned down under suspicious circumstances, tho Insurance Company demanded an inquest, which is now being held. Mr Blackburn, in his ovidence, contradicted himself greatly, and other of his statements were disproved by witnesses. Tho evidence so far doea not relate to the fire, but to the value of the building and stock, which were insured For £GSO, and which were stated not to have been worth £200. Mr Blackburn admitted that the buildinga were not worth £30, although he valued tbern at £150 when taking out a policy. The insurance agents bad decided to cancel tbe policy the night of the fire. This is the second time Mr Blackburn has besn burned out under similar circumstances.

NELSON, Thursday,

A six-roomed house in Brook-street Valley, occupied by Mr Puseh, was liestroyed by fire to-day. Considerable dilli. culty was experienced in rescuing his wife, who is an invalid. Tho houso belonged to Mr Cullen, of Hcton. It was insured in tbe Liverpool, London, and Globe, for £100. Mr I'usch, who is a worker in plniter ot Paris images, had the furniture and models insured in the Now Zealand office for £400, and the stock of images for £250.

DUNEDIN, this day.

A sevcn-roomeil boarding-house in Cum-berland-street was destroyed early this morning. Mrs Crawford, the occupier, is insured in the South British for £100.

The houso in Cumberland-street belonged to the Hon. Mr Mantcll, and was iusurcd for £100 iv the Northern.