PATEA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 93, 5 March 1881, Page 3

PATEA.

DISASTROUS FIRE.

(raoM our own correspondent.) Patea, Yesterday.

A disastrous fire occurred on Wednesday evening, at the drapery store of Messrs Skelley Bros, in Taranaki road. The alarm was given about midnight, and the fire-bell having been rung, a lnrge crowd was on the spot in a tew miuutes, and the tire brigade lost no time in bringing forward their engine. The fire appeared to have been smouldering for some time, and suddenly bursting through the front, and enveloping the whole building in one muss of flames, it was apparent that there was no chance of saving any of the movable stock. An attempt was made to enter, but the smoke was so dense as to prevent it. Mr. C. Skelley was successful in securing his books, but with the exception of an armful of drapery, everything else was destroyed. Fortunately the wind was from a southerly quarter ; otherwise the large building erected by Mr. Arthur would have stood a poor chance of escape. There being a vacant section on the other side, there was no danger of the fire spreading in that direction. The captain of the fire brigade therefore directed his efforts towards ensuring the safety of Mr. Arthur's building. A high green dividing fence was kept saturated with water, and the hose was also applied to a stack of timber adjoining. By one o'clock the burniug building was reduced to ashes, and no further damage was done. Messrs. Skelley Bros, estimate their loss at a little under £2600, of which £725 is covered by insurance — viz., £525 in the Colonial and £200 in the South British insurance Co. The store was a handsome one-storied building, erected a little over twelve months ago. The owners were beginning to find larger premises needful to meet the increase of busiu ss, and have recently thought of adding a second story. Their losb is very heavy, and much sympathy is felt for them. An inquiry will be held on Monday, before the coroner, Mr. "Wray, but beyond what is already known of the origin of the fire, it is not likely that much further information can be had. Both brothers were out, and the place was locked by 9 p.m. A kerosene lamp, left burning low, is supposed to have burst or upset, and ignited some of the loose drapery. The premises of Mr. T. North have leen taken as temporary offices by the Bank of Australasia, wlich will open a branch he eon the 14th instant. The bank has also purchased from Mr. Wray a building site, nearly opposite the Albion Hotel, <56 feet frontage.

Mr. T. North will open his handsome new drapery store to-morrow evening. The Hart troupe opened last evening in the Town Hall, and went through an entirely new programme. The hall was 'well filled, and the audience appeared to find the company as entertaining as ever. A change of programme is announced for this evening.

[By Telegraph.] Patea, Last Night. The correct amount of Skelley's insurance is as follows : — Colonial Insurance Company, £925 ; South British Insurance Company, £200; altogether £1125. James Taylor, of Kakaramea, was committed to-day for the theft of Cyril Dasent's saddle.