FIRE IN BERESFORD STREET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 94, 20 April 1894, Page 4

FIRE IN BERESFORD STREET.

DESTRUCTION OF THREE

HOUSES.

DAMAGES OVER £1,000.

Shortly after one o'clock this morning an outbreak of tire occurred in a two-storied dwelling house in Beresford-streetoccupied by Mr Frederick Fanning, labourer, and before it waa exbinguiahed three houseß had been practically destroyed and damage uone to the extent of over £1,000.

Mr Fanning and hia family only moved into their Bereaford-street residence yesterday, basing previously resided in Grafton Road. They retired to reat ab 10 p.m., leaving a lire burning in bhe kitchen on the top of _ colonial oven. They were aroused about oue o'clock by tho noiße of fire, and found the house full of smoke. The alarm waa at once given, and the Fire Brigade and Salvage Corps were quickly on tho spot. Tbe outbreak had by this timo spread to thefive-Toomed, two-storiecThouso on the upper side (occupied by Mr James Kellet, carpenter), and to the seven-roomed houso occupied by Mr J. W. Oxley, ship chandler, on the lower side. The brigade prevented the tire from spreading, but could nob save Mr Farming's residence, which was complebely destroyed, whilo the two adjoining houses wore thoroughly gutted. Mr Fanning abtribubos bhe oubbroak to some tire from the oven falling on to the floor. The whole ol his furniture was destroyed, and only a few clothes and bedding were aaved. Ho had his furniture covered by a policy for £200 in tho Worth Queonaland Office in tho houso in Grafton Road, but had nob traneferred the policy on removal to Bereaford-street. Tho house waa owned by Mr Jones, of Newton Road, but its insurance has nob yob been ascertained.

Tho most of Mr Oxley's furniture was saved by tho Salvatre Corps. It ia insured in the Imperial Office for £70. The house is owned by aMr Leydoti. Mr Kelleb'a furniture, which wus not insured, was mostly saved. Ho estimates his loss at übout £12. Tho house is owned by Mr F. G. Ewington, and is insured in the South British for £150. The side and roof of the residence of Mr Tucker were slightly damaged, but tho furniture was not removed. The latter is insured for £140 in the Colonial. Mr Harper owns the building. The Auckland police under Sergeant McMahon and Sergeant Bernard and Constable Finnorty rendered valuable assistance ab the lire.

AN INCIPIENT FIRE.

An incipient tire was discovered last night ill tho residence of Mrs Malone, Wellealoy-i-troot West. It waa caused through a candle being left on a dressing-table iii close proximity to the wall paper, which caught alight. It was discovered by a man named Robert Monteith, who quickly extinguished the outbreak. There was no insurance on the furniture or houso, and iho damage done to the wall paper is estimated at £1.