FIRES.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15612, 9 June 1916, Page 5

FIRES.

BLAZE AT RICCARTON. An eight-roomed shop and dwelling at Upper Riccarton, owned by Mr H. T. Jones, was burned to tho ground yesterday morning. Painters commenced work on the house, which was unoccupied, the previous day. The Otira Gorge Hotel 'was burned to the ground at 4 a.m. on Wednesday. A strong wind was blowing at the time, and the building, being of wood and fairly old, was soon destroyed. ' Practically nothing was saved, and the inmates escaped only in their night clothes. The licensee, Mr James Beban, is a heavv loser. The building, the property of Mr IX Moynihan, was insured 'ior -£500, but there was no cover on the stock or furniture. The cottage adjoining was saved. A fire occurred at North. Loburn at 2 a.m. yesterday, the residence of Mr A. M. Miller, farmer, being totally destroyed. The cause of the fire is unknown. Mr and Mrs Miller were onlv able to rescue their young family and a few personal belongings. Mr Miller ig a heg.vy loser, as there was no insurance on his furniture, and the dwelling was only insured for £200 in the State office, whereas the house was recently renovated at a cost of more than that amount.