FIRES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14681, 12 May 1908, Page 8

FIRES.

GREAT FIRE IN AMERICA. United Proas Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, May 10. Fire destroyed fiix business blocks and two hotels in Atlanta, Georgia. The damage is estimated at a quarter of a million sterling. A SHOP GUTTED AT LYTTELTON. At a quarter to twelve o’clock yesterday an alarm rang out from the Lyttelton fircbell, and a dense column of dark smoke rising from the business portion of the town showed that a serious outbreak of fire was in progress. The smoke was arising from the premises of Mr John H. Collins, in Canterbury Street, near its junction with London Street, a twostoreyed building used as . a furniture and hardware shop and bedding and furniture manufactory. The fire brigade made a very smart turn-out, and had a jet of water playing in three minutes from the first stroke of the alarm. Quickly three jets were in action, but the fire had got such a hold that it was long before much apparent impression could bo made. The energies of the spectators were devoted to saving the stock, and there was no lack of willing salvors. After noarlv half an hour’s strenuous work by the fire brigade the smoko diminished, tho flame had disappeared, and it was evident that the building had been saved from utter destruction and that the adjoining premises, those of Mr W. G. Sliephoard, were no longer in danger. Mr Collins’s premises were practically gutted, and a groat portion of his stock was destroyed or spoiled. The fire began in the basement, where a fire had been lighted to burn sweepings. This, somehow or other, caught some rubbish near tho fireplace, and the flames, it is stated, spread to a bale of kapoc. The building was owned hv Air J. H. Collins, and was insured for £50.0 in tho Alliance Office, which also has a policy for £SOO on the stock. A further insurance of £2OO on the stock was effected with the Atlas Company. The. stock was valued at £2OOO, and the value of the Salvage is reckoned to ho £3OO or £350. Tfc is understood that Mr Collins’s loss will he about £ISOO over the insurance. It is unlikely that the building can he reinstated, though the outside walls appear intact.

Last evening the flames broke out again in tho kapoc and tho brigade turned out and put the fire out. The racing gear of the yacht Kia Ora was stored in the shop and wa.s totally destroyed.