FIRES.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9126, 10 June 1895, Page 5

FIRES.

A fire occurred in High street, Rangiora, on Saturday evening, by whioh the dwelling and blacksmith's shop, occupied by Mr W. J. Palmer, were totally/destroyed. Mr Palmer and family were away from home, having left the house locked up early in the day. During the evening several persons noticed a smell of fire near the place, but nothing waa seen of it until about 10 p.m., when the place was a mass of flames, and the fire brigade was quickly summoned. With somo difficulty, through a mishap to the steam engine, the fire was confined to the bnildiugs above mentioned, but an adjoining house, owned by Mr Hunnibell, and a bookshop, occupied by Mr Felton, were in flames several times. Had there been a wind blowing at the time most of the buildings in the vicinity, including the Literary Institute, must have been destroyed. The dwelling was insured for £200 in the Royal, the furniture for £75 in the Norwich Union, and tbe blacksmith's shop and tools for £50 in the Victoria. The other risks affected were:—Mr Hunnihell's house, £400 in the New Zealand • Mr Felton's shop, £30 in the Victoria, and the Literary Institute £1000 in the New Zealand. (press association __i_gram.) PALMBRSTON NORTH, June 8. The Empire Hotel, Ashurst, was burned down at 3 a.m. to-day. It was occupied by W. Sheehy. When the fire was discovered it had too great a hold to be extinguished. The insurances are £900 in the Phceuix, Palatine and Standard offices, and the loss is £400 above that amouut.