A BIG BLAZE

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 276, 22 November 1890, Page 5

A BIG BLAZE

WINGATE, BURNS, AND CO.'S STORE.

A large and destructive fire broke out at Wingate, Burns* and Co.'s bonded store on Beach Road, near Mechanics' Bay, about four o'clock this morning. The building consists of two parts. The front section is built entirely of iron, and ' the back a strong structure of wood with an iron roof. It was in the back parb thab the firo did its damage. As far as can be ascertained it originated in the roof. A theory is thab a bird's nest and some straw in the gutter was ignited by a spark from a passing engine. The wood burnt with intense fury, and though there were no combustible stores in the building, the flames were fierce in the extreme. The Parnell Fire Brigade were promptly on the scene, but owing to the tire being oub of their boundary they could render no assistance, bub had to stand idly watching the fire doing its destructive work. Twenty minutea after their arrival Superintendent Hughes arrived with hia brigade and immediately gob to work to prevent the destructive element spreading. In thi3 they were successful only the back section being dcs troyed. Both stock and building were insured in the Royal Equitable and Standard Offices— the stock which was valued ab £4,000 for £1,600* and the building for £400. Owing to the nature of the goods stored- barb wire, cement, iron rails, etc., the salvago will be considerable, and in the stock ib is probable thab the insurance will cover the loes. The building will, however, prove a considerable 1038 to the firm as the value was far in excess of the insurance. The work of salvage ia being proceeded with.