FIRE OUTBREAKS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 June 1925, Page 5

FIRE OUTBREAKS

TIMARU LOUNGE DESTROYED.

(Per Pres« Association.)

TIMARU, June 14

At 2.30 this morning the premises known as the Grand Lounge, Stafford Street, near Cannon Street, Timaru, were practically destroyed by fire, the origin of which is at present unknown. The fire is believed to have started in the rear of the shop, but by the time it was discovered it had 'eaten its way through to the front, the interior of which was practically gutted. ’J’he Brigade had the.outbreak under control in about an hour, .and prevented the flames spreading to the adjoining buildings. The Lounge itself, however, was practically destroyed, and it is not expected that the loss will be covered by the insurance, which was £lOOO in the Guardian Office.

AKA ROA BOARDIN G -HO USE

CHRISTCHURCH, June 15

Grand View, a twelve-roomed private boarding house, situated on Beach Road, Akai’oa, was totally destroyed by .fire between 3 and 4 a.in. ■yesterday. The building was owned and occupied by Mr John. )Vright, who. with his wife .and younger daughter, were the only persons on the premises. , A cold southerly wind blew throughout the night, and it is believed that embers from the fireplace in the sitting room were blown out and ignited the furniture. When the family were aroused by the smell of smoke, it was found that the sitting room was ablaze. The occupants had time only to snatch a few articles of clothing and valuables before the whole building jfr’as in flames. The local fire brigade was soon on the spot, and did excellent work in saving the adjoining premises. a dwelling occupied by Mr N. Mitchell. Fortunately for the safety of that, house, the wind carried the flames out. on the street. 'I he force of th© wind was so great that pieces of chaiTed wood were carried into the northern portion of the town. Ihe house war. insured for £BOO, and the furniture for £5OO in the South British Office. Mr Wright estimates; his loss 'at ever £l.OOO in excess of the amount of the insurances.