FIRE

Inangahua Times, 28 October 1932, Page 2

FIRE

Mr I. Patterson’s Office Gutted Shortly after six o’clock this morning Mr I. Patterson’s office in Broadway was found to be on fire. There was a fairly big blaze before the Brigade got to work, though they were quickly on the scene, and there seemed little hope of saving ihe building as well as the pi-emises on each side. The splendid supply of water, however, soon had the desired effect, and the Brigade being well handled the flames were got under in lesß than half an hour. The back part of the premises—where the fire originally started—>is badly guttsd and the contents destroyed. Beyond being damaged by water and smoke tbe two rooms in tbe front part of the building were not greatly damaged, but, much of the contests, being principally documents, books, etc. , are destroyed beyond repair. Mr Patterson's loss is a heavy one, as his extensive library of law books suffered severe damage, many of the volumes being practically ruined by tbe smoke. Miller’s Ltd. on the West side of Patterson's, suffered considerable damage by water, which shattered a window and wet much of the stock The building on tbe east side used by Mr D. Wright as a painter and paperhanging shop and by Miaa Watt as a dressmaking establishment, was damaged by water, and Miaa Watt’s goods were drenched. These included many dresses, costumes, etc. , com pie ted and read; to be despatched to clients. Neither Miss Watt or Mr Wright had any insurance on the building or contents. It is understood that Miller’s Ltd. is insured, but the amount was not ascertainable. On Mr Patterson’s building the insurances were £75 on the building in the Royal Insurance Office and £2OO on the contentß in tbe Royal Exchange Office, but bis loss must greatly exceed this. Mr Patterson states that he left bis office at midnight, and that no fire had been lighted there during the whole of Thursday, and he is unable to account for the outbreak.