EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN DUNEDIN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 104, 3 May 1926, Page 3

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN DUNEDIN

FACTOEY WOBKEBS OUT OF EMPLOYMENT. j

(By Telegraph.—Pre»i Allocution.) DUNEDIN, 2nd May.

Extensive damage by fire was caused to Moritzon's building at the comer of Bond and Jetty streets early, this morning. The fire had a stronghold when discovered, and when the brigade arrived the flames had burst through the roof.and the top windows, while dense volumes, of smoke drifted over the city. Although the brigade had a difficult task before it, the efforts put forward prevented the outbreak spreading to the second and lower floors. The top portion of the building, occupied by Steel and Company, clothing manufacturers, was completely gutted, and the. contents were reduced to cinders. The upper floors were burned through in places, and the tobacco stocks of W. D. and H. O. Wills, Ltd., on the second floor, were seriously damaged by water and falling debris. A. J. Ainge and Co. occupied the basement, and, the firm's stock of wines and spirits suffered to some extent, there being nearly a foot of water, in the cellar, and the cases consequently were soaked. The building, a very substantial one, has been the scene ■of several nre» within the past few years. 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. .-■■■■■ Ainge'a stock is insured for £5000, but the amount of insurance on the building and on Wills 'a stock is not available. Steel's stock is insured for £2000. This stock consisted principally of suitings and overcoats completed to fulfil orders in Christchurch and Wellington. The firm employed between 140 and 50 hands, mostly girls, . an A these are now out of employment.