FIRES

Evening Star, Issue 14530, 5 December 1910, Page 4

FIRES

[Pkk ITnitkd T'nr.ss Association.] WKLLIXGTON, December 5. A six-roomed house at Uoseneatli. owned and occupied by Mr Charles Johnson, was totally destroyed by lire at eleven o'clock vraterdav morning, through the manteldrape in'front- of the _kitchen lire catching alight. The house, w.iich was valued at £SOO. was insured in the State Office for £SOO, but tho contents were, uiiiusui'od. [Sn-xiAt. to Tin-: Si'AU.] ' WAIMATK. December 5. 'Clio most .lit- Hitrous .he in the history of tho Wuikikaiii Settlement- occurred ye---terdav morning about- nine o'clock, two of tho largest shops in Morvcn Township, on the- trunk railway, being completely desfroved. witli all their contents. The fire started in Mr K. J. Middlobrook's establishment, at tho south end of tho block, and ato its way up against a strong north-east breeze until the whole of his eninorium and also Blair Bros.' butchery and grain stores were destroyed. The men had gone. Tho furniture was saved from the living rooms of both promisee. Mr Middlebrook is a heavy loser, as a now consignment of good.-; just delivered was not insured, though the old stock was covered. Blair Bros.' stock was insured. The buildings (which both belonged to Mr James Meehnn, Ma-kilrihi) were insured. Mr Middlebrook's saie, containing his book debts and money, did not stand the test, and when opened after tho tiro the contents blazed up, destroying any chance or deciphering the- figures. There was jio water supply. Details of the insurances are not available. to 3.45 this morning tho City Brigade wore ".ailed bv telephone to a five-roomed unoccupied ho'iiso in Marion street, Oporio. When they arrived it was practically denroveel, but judicious use of the chemical engine prevented the flames- from doing any serious damage to adjoining houses, occupied respectively by Mis Judd ami Mr Wilde TJitv origin of the outbreak is a nivterv. Mr lid ward Osten, the owner, lives in Wellington. an<l the place has been unoccupied for a fortnight. It was insured in the State Office- for £250.