FIRE IN THE CITY

Evening Star, Issue 17921, 17 March 1922, Page 6

FIRE IN THE CITY

QOHFEBTIOMRY FACTORY GUTTED

Splendid work by the city’s fire department undoubtedly prevented the loss of considerable property involved in a fire which broke out at about 6.45 last evening in premises occupied by Messrs W. Stewart * and Co., confectionery manufacturers, in Maclaggan street. Tho promises were well known for many years an M'Fariane’s grocery stores. Since Messrs Stewart and Co. became the occupiers the lower stoky has been used as a confectionery factory and the top story as a furriery in connection with the business which is carried on by Messrs J. K. Mooney and Co. In response to an alarm at 6.50 p.m., the City Brigade arrived promptly on tho scene with three machines. Tina (ire apparently originated in tho starch room at tho back of the confectionery factory, and the flames had a strong hold when the brigade arrived. The flames had broken inrough the roof, casting a reflection over a portion of tho city. Two lines of hose were quickly brought into operation, and tho firemen were able, with a good pressure of water, to confine the outbreak to that portion of tho building in which it started. Tho rear part of tho confectionery factory was gutted, but the excellent work of the firemen prevented the flames from spreading to the front portion of tho building, which was not damaged. Practically all the stock in that portion of the building which was burned was destroyed, while the stock .in the packing room between the seat of tho tiro and tho front of tho building was spoilt by smoko, which also found its way into tho furriery through a lift shaft. A largo portion of tho stock in this department wan badly damaged by smoke. The furrier business has not bean disorganised, as the firm Ims transferred its staff to tho factory at North-east Valley. Tho fire has thrown about nineteen bands employed in the confectionery laclory temporarily out of work As soon as the insurance company representatives have completed their work of assessing tho damage a start will be made to reconstruct the building, but it will bo fully a month before tho confectionery business will bo in running order again. The total damage to tho building and contents is estimated at. about £6OO.

The building is insured for .-62,500 in the Pliomix office, au-d the stock and fittings for £535 in tho same office. Tho contents of (hr, furrier work room arc insured for £3,250 in the Phmnix office.

Note.—•Houaoholdwa wishing to insurc houses or furniture should riug 3,721 or 959, and after 6 p.m. 2,145. For about threepence per week yon can get a risk of £2oo.—Trotm-an, Chief Agent, Queensland Insurance Company, Ltd., 73 Princes street,—[Advt.]