BLAZE AT OAMARU

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 11 October 1928, Page 9

BLAZE AT OAMARU

BIGGEST FOB NEARLY TEN YEARS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) OAMARU, Oct. 11. The biggest fire for nearly 10 years occurred at 4.30 o’clock this morning at Waitaki Buildings, two stores in Thames Street, owned by W. Aickenhood, a draper. The damage was estimated at about £IOOO. Aickenliood’s shop was gutted and his stock a total loss. H. Grenfell’.s mercery stock was badly damaged by water, and J. Martvn’s cycle and sporting stock was damaged by water, while the stock and fittings' of L. Frame, hairdresser, and the Misses Cartwright, three pianos, furniture and music, were destroyed. The stock, furniture and fittings of J. Gunning (tailor), Miss Gibson (dressmaker), a.nd W. Brown (commission agent) were a total loss. The fire was believed to have started at the rear of the building. A heavy wind made it a hard fight for the brigade. Aickenhood’s shop and upstairs portion was gutted. The insurances were: Aiekenhood, £4OOO on the building and £3200 on the stock; he will he a heavy loser; Grenfell, £ISOO on his stock; Martyn, £575 on stock and plant; the- Misses Cartwright.' £245 on furniture; Frame. £l5O. Brown’s and Miss Gibson’s fitting were insured for about £l5O each.