AUCKLAND.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3084, 16 May 1881, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

May 16

A large two-storey building in Wakc-field-street, occupied by H. Hitchens, manufacturer of blood restorer, was totally destroyed by fire last night, and a double cottage adjoining was partially destroyed. All Hitchens furniture and plant was consumed, which was insured for £500 in the Royal office. The house was owned by the City Council, and was insured for £100 in tbe National, and £100 in the South British office. The adjoining buildings, also the property of the City Council, were insured for £100 each in the National and South British offices. The chimney of Kitchen's bouse had been on fire during the day, and it is believed that it was not wholly extinguished or that a spark had smouldered amongst the shingles. George Foster, a general dealer in Wellesley-street, arose in his usual health this morning, and after lighting the fire went up to his bedroom, where he was seized with a violent fit of coughing. Froth oozed from his mouth, and he died in a few minutes. At the inquest a verdict of death from natural causes was recorded. It is supposed that congestion of the brain from the violent coughing was the means of death.