FIRE AT ONEHUNGA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 182, 31 July 1908, Page 4

FIRE AT ONEHUNGA.

PREMISES DAMAGED. STOCKS DESTROYED. ,! * The charred shell of a building j* • which were the V.M.C.A. rooms: and several business premises, is today's CV L dence of yesterday's misfortune. At about half-past six last night the Onehunga Fire Brigade was requisitioned <to suppress a fire which had a good hold in the premises mentioned in Queen. street. The brigade was on the scene promptly, and, working systematically and smartly, confined the flames .to the main -building. However, considerable damage was done. The fire is said to have commenced on ' the lower floor in Mr. H_. Kennedy's .boot shop. Mr. Kennedy had left the shop about six o'clock, and as he intended ireturning, had left some gas jets burning. Though the locality of the first outbreak is traceable, there is nothing to show definitely how the conflagration commenoed. ~..:• The higher floor of the building wm § occupied by the V.M.C.A., and .an offio* on the ground floor was used by Messrs. H. Bray and Co. Mr. Kennedy's stock was destroyed practically in its entirety. He estimates his loss iv boots and machinery at between £400 and £500, partly ; covered by a policy of £250 in the Stat* Fire Department. Messrs. Bray and- Co. own the building, which was of wood, and was insured for £500 in the' New Zealand Insurance Co. They estimate that it will cost £.400 to repair the structure. The •adjoining shop, occupied by Messrs. Moss and Sorensen, suffered somewhat through heat and -water, and* plate glass window was broken. Messrs.-.', Bray's office was subjected to a sfiiigtii; charring. The library, gymnasium,-infl-some furniture of the V.M.C.A. were'da.'■':• stroyed. The service of the brigade is highly* commendable. It is generally felt that but for the brigade's excellent work 1 there would have been a good sweep qf | buildings. \ ! It is understood that this Y.M;Cdt will straightaway commence a canvaia to place them on their .former footing. A special meeting of the Catholic Club was held after the fire, and it was decided to offer the club's rooms to the Y.M.C.&.V while they are without a place of meeting. . [?. _*~'