FIRE AT THAMES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 171, 20 July 1903, Page 5

FIRE AT THAMES.

(ByJTelegraph,—Own Correspondent.)

THAMES, this day,

The early discovery of an outbreak of fire in the grocery establishment of Mr "William Scott, Pollen-street, Thames, prevented a serious conflagration early yesterday morning. Tlis shop was closed on Saturday night by Mr Holloway, the storenian, Mr Scott being away through illness. Everything seemed to be as usual at that time, but when Constable Harvey passed the premises at 2 a.m. a considerable quantity of smoke was issuing from it. The fire brigade were soon on the scene, and they had some difficulty in getting at the seat of the fire OAving to the heat and dense smoke. The lire was eventually located behind, a counter, and was soon got under control, though a great deal of damage was done by water. The fire must have been smouldering a considerable time, as the ceiling was charred and a large quantity of stock destroyed. The value of the latter has not yet been ascertained, but it was insured for £750 in the United office, and £500 in the Victoria office. The building, which is the property of the Hon. James McGowan, was insured for £ GOO in the North British office, but it was practically undamaged.