THE WHANGAREI FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 28, 3 February 1899, Page 2

THE WHANGAREI FIRE.

The recent lire, writes our YVhangarei correspondent, the main particulars of which 1 wired on Monday, lias caused quite a blank in the principal business portion of the town. The burnt and warped iron and remains of the goods destroyed speaks only too plainly of the severe losses of those affected. It has been ascertained that the fire originated somewhere at the back of Mr McGregor's shop, but how there is no evidence to show. Some gentlemen were less than an hour before the outbreak standing under Harrison's verandah, and when they left there was not the slightest sign of fire nor the least suspicion of such a thing oecuring. The gentlemen in question had scarcely arrived home when the alarm was rung, at which time the back of .Tarvey and Christie's and McGregor's premises was a mass of name. The buildings in the vicinity being wooden and very dry the fire spread with rapidity, and in less than half an hour it was evident that no human power could overcome the flames, the whole block being evidently doomed. The heat was so intense that all buildings within seventy feet caught tire or were very badly scorched. These outbreaks were, however, promptly suppressed. A short time after the outbreak a light breeze sprung up which carried naming shingles down the street, some of which alighted on and set fire to other buildings. Fortunately the respective occupants had kept a good lookout and further spread of the fire was averted. Had the wind continued or been a little stronger there is little doubt that at least half the town would have succumbed to the flames, and the loss that must have eventuated would have been most serious, and would have put the town back for at least twenty years, and the probability is that very little would have been rebuilt. In my wire I stated the losses were variously estimated from £10,000 to £12,000. I have since ascertained that but for the insurance covering the stocks and buildings the losses would be much greater. I have since wiring obtained the actual amount of insurance covering the various risks affected amounts to £7,640. All parties affected are heavy losers. A considerable quantity of stock was saved but a great deal is so badly damaged with water and effects of removal that it will be practically useless. Messrs Harrison and Son, McGregor, Bentley, Christie, Dennis and Jarvey have lost almost everything. A good deal was saved of Messrs Hutching's, Massey's and McClintock's stocks, but practically their plants are destroyed. In most cases, I understand, the. premises are to be rebuilt, which will be a great improvement to the town, both in appearance and quality of its buildings. Acts of considerable merit by voluntai'y helpers were greatly commented upon, and in the opinion of those present during the course of the fire, such were well deserving of substantial recognition, and the saving of the shops occupied by Messrs Culpan, Swanberg, Chissell and Hill was most conspicious, and it is hoped that these services will be suitably acknowledged. One very bad feature of the fire was the conduct of some hoodlums who without a blush were seen to pilfer where and whenever they could, and through these machinations a very considerable quantity of stuff is missing.