MUCH DAMAGE.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18681, 3 May 1926, Page 1

MUCH DAMAGE.

FIRE AT DUNEDIN. (rEESS ASSOCIATION telegbam.) DUNiSDLN, May 2. Extensive damage by fire was caused to Moritzson's bull; - t'lt* coinei of Bond and Jetty streets early this morning. The tire tiaii a strong nJ when discovered, and when the brigade arrived the flames had burst tlir gli the roof and top windows, while dense volumes of smoke drifted over the city. The brigade had a difficult task before it, but by its splendid efforts prevented the outbreak from spreading to the second and lower floors. The whole of the top portion of the building, occupied by Steel and Co., clothing manufacturers, was completely gutted and the contents reduced to cinders. Tho upper floors were burned through in places, and the tobacco stocks of W. D. and H. 0. Wills, Ltd., on the second floor, were seriously damaged by water and falling debris, which poured down through the great gaps in the floor. Messrs A J. Ainge and Co. occupied the basement, aiid the firm's stock of wines and spirits suffered to some extent. there lieing nearly a foot of water in the cellars. The building was a very substantial one. Everything appeared safe when Steel and Co.'s employees and manager left the premises at 11.45 a.m. on Saturday. The outbreak is thought to be due to the fusing of an electric wire. Messrs Ainee and Co.'s stock was insured for £SOOO, but the amount of the insurance on the building and W. Wills, Ltd., 'stock was-not . available.:

Steel and Co.'a stock was insured for £2OOO. Their stock consisted principally of suitings - and hundreds of overcoats completed to fulfil large orders in Christcliurcb and Wellington. 'lhe firm employed between 40 and 50 hands, mostly girls, and these are now out of employment. •Be prepared. See that you have adequate insurance 011 your houSo and !#rniture. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd., Hereford street. _ It is a local company with all its capital invested in New Zealand, therefore prompt settlement. —6