QUEEN STREET BLAZE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 30, 6 February 1928, Page 8

QUEEN STREET BLAZE.

HUGH WRIGHT'S STOCK DAMAGED. LOSS RUNS TO THOUSANDS. SEVERAL OFFICES CLOSED. A block of buildings in Queen Street, comprising various shops and offices is in a badly charred condition, as the result of a fire last night, which is said to have broken out on the top floor of the Mining Chambers, and extended to the adjoining building, which is owned by the Dingwall Trust and occupied by Hugh Wright, Limited.

Staffs are having a difficult time clearing up after the damage causc.d by fire and water, and assessors are engaged in various parts of the building making their estimates of the damage. The outbreak occurred at about 11.30 o'clock last evening and to those who immediately gathered it seemed as though the flames would sweep the block. The City Brigade, however, arrived promptly and within a short while had the flames under control. Practically the whole of the Mining Chambers was badly charred and in addition, considerable damage was done by water and smoke.

The most extensive damage appears to be to the stock ill Hugh Wright. Ltd.'s department for ladies, in the Dingwall Trust's building. It runs into several thousands of pounds. To-day, the premises are closed, the staff are away and the assessors are working with the managers. Mr. Hugh Wright happens to be at Botorua. It will be at least two or three days before the premises can open again. Occupants of offices on the two 'loers of the Mining Chambers are having to find other quarters, at least for the time being. Insurances on the block are distributed as follows: —Dingwall Trust, £3315 in the Alliance Office and £315 in the New Zealand; Mining Chambers, £4000 iin Phoenix and £1500 in the Norwich Union; contents of Hugh Wright's shop, £6000 in the Phoenix; Raylight Co., £100 in the Phoenix; j John Graham and Co., £100 in the South British; C. L. Stevenson, £2000 in the Alliance; G. H. Baker, £75 in the New Zealand; Mrs. Ansanne, £250 in the New Zealand; W. S. Jameson, £800 in the National and £300 in the London and Lancashire; Dean Taylor, £50 in the United; Quoin Club, £200 in the North British and £100 in the New Zealand; Berryman and Burkett, £350 in the Home Office; Belmont Tea Kooms, £600 in the Alliance. The Mining Chambers block is owned by Hugh Wright, Ltd.