EXTENSIVE FIRE IN BLENHEIM.

Evening Star, Issue 7251, 30 June 1887, Page 3

EXTENSIVE FIRE IN BLENHEIM.

L50,(j00 |WORTH OP PROPERTY

DESTROYED.

BLENHEIM, June 30,

A most disastrous conflagration broke out In Blenheim shortly before two o'clock this morning, The fire, whioh was first discovered in the apartments ocoupied by the family of Mr Carter, landlord of the Criterion Hotel, soon had a firm hold of the building, and quickly spread to the adjoining building, ocoupied by Augustus Barber. Running along Market street, it consumed the shops oooupled by Falconer, cabinetmaker ; Burns, saddler; Healy, boot shop j Galloway, draper; and Adams, butoher. The offloes of S. J. Maoalister, commission agent, were pulled down, and stopped the progress of the fire in this direotion. A light nor'wester fanned the flames across the street, destroying the Colonial Bank, the Jubilee Drapery Warehouse, and the shops of Williams, bootmaker; M'Kenzle, butcher; Tucker, stationer; Oldershaw, confectioner; Elson, druggist (No. 1 shop); Ringatadt, barber; Pigott, clothier; Mullen, draper; Elson, druggist (No. 2 shop); Griffiths, auctioneer; Macey, photographer; Mason, watchmaker; Scott, confectioner (gutted). In Alfred street the Oddfellows' Hall and two cottages were consumed. It is thought that the value of the property destroyed will amount to about 1.50,000. Latek. The fire originated in the Criterion Hotel, and was first discovered by Master George Carter, who was an invalid, and sleeping at the west end of the building. Hand grenades and such water as was available were thrown on to the flames, but without avail. The fire brigade were promptly on the spot. Steam was got up in the engine in ten minutes, and powerful streams of water were played on to the burning pile ; but the fire had obtained too great a hold, and, fanned by a light nor'-wester, rapidly spread, with the result previously telegraphed. The scene baffled description, and the fire seemed beyond human effort. The pulling down of S. J. Macalister's office saved the National Bank, and prevented the fire from spreadiner up High street. The brigade station was twice on fire. The engineer and assistant bravely stuck to the steam fire-engine, which was stationed inside the shed. Great credit is due to the Brigade for the plucky way they stuck to their duty against heavy odds and in intense heat.

The Union risks are not yet obtainable. A large portion of the Standard's risk is reinsured.

The insurances; so far as at present can be gathered, are as follows :— South British . £l,3f0 Standard 3,305 Liverpool & London & Globe . . 2,950 Royal i 1,000 Norwich Union . 1,300 Vicio:U 875 National 090 Northern 800 New Zealand .. . 4,200 Equitable 1,350 Col Dial .. ~ . 1,360 Pbmnix . 6.4?5