FIRE AT THE THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 140, 15 June 1891, Page 4

FIRE AT THE THAMES.

MR DEEBLE'S STORE BURNT.

(BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CO.RRESrONDEXT.)

Thames, this day. Onk of the most disastrous fires that have taken place here for some years past broke , out about 2.30 this morning in the establishment of Mr William Deeble in Rollcs-ton-street, who carries on the business of a butcher and grocer and provision dealer, on an extensive scale. The fire broke out in the front portion of tho shop just underneath the counter where there were a quantity of matches in cases, and before it was discovered had a very firm hold on the building. Mr Deeble, who sleeps upstairs, was awakened by a noise of falling articles in the shop, and upon rushing downstairs he found the whole place in flames. His son immediately gave the alarm and the brigade wero on the scene with commendable promptitude, but owing to a defective water supply and the firm hold thafc tbe flames had of the building, all efforts to save Deebie's promises were unavailing. The whole of tho stock and almost all the furniture were totally destroyed, while the building was levelled to the ground. So far as can ab present be ascertained, tli6 loss will'bo fully £1,500, while tho only insurance 13 a policy of £500 in the Victoria Office. This sum will not cover tho cost of the building. Nothing is known as to tho origin of tho fire, but Mr Deeble considers that it must have been purely accidental. The Post Office Hotel adjoining Deabla's premises was somewhat damaged to the extent of about £50, while Mr Laing's (licensee's) furniture was also damaged by water. Tho hotel ia owned by Louis Ehrenfried.