FIRE AT OTAKI.

Evening Post, Volume XLI, Issue 151, 29 June 1891, Page 3

FIRE AT OTAKI.

Constable O'Kourke, tho officer in chargo of the Otnki police station, telegraphed to Inspector Thomson yesterday that the stables belonging to the Telegraph Hotel at that township, which is in tho occupation of Mr. J. Duncan, together with a boor shop adjoining, belonging to Staples and Co., of Wellington, and managod by Mr. W. Wright, was burnt to the ground i>t 8 o'clock on Saturdny night. No particulars were forwarded as to tho origin of tho fire, but in consideration of the fact that a fire occurred in the stablos only five djys before, the Inspector despatched Detective Herbert to the scene by this morning's train for the purpose of instituting enquiries. From information which has since reached town, it appear] that the fire was first discovered in the lott which contained hay, chaff, &c, by a man named Alfred Knocks. The stables were locked at the time, and the origin of the fire is a mystery, which tho Coroner will ondeavour to tol ye at an enquiry which is to bo bold at Otaki to-morrow. The stock of boots in Mr. Wright's shop is said to havo boon saved from destruc ion. The stablos are intim-cd in tho Phoenix office for J2IOO, and the stook in the boot shop for a similar sum in tho Standard office. The hotel, which is uninjured, is insur . for .£7OO, tho Standard and Sun offices holding tho risk, while the stock and furniture is insured for a similar sum with tho Commercial Union Company.