FIRE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9115, Issue 9115, 11 January 1910, Page 8

FIRE.

THEATRE'S NARROW ESCAPE. HEAVY LOSSES. (Feb Pbess Association.') DUNEDIN, Jan. 11. The New Zealand Express Company's three-storey brick building facia" Wain's Hotel. Manse Street, was burnt to the ground at an early hour this morning. The ' Princess Theatre had a narrow escape, the wind fortunately dying away. The fire was discovered at halt-past three, and was apparently then confined to the second storey at the end of the building adjoining R. P lckl : son's restaurant. It had a good hold when the brigade arrived, and the whole left portion of the' building was enveloped. As there was a fairly strong nor-wester blowing, fear was felt for the safety of the whole block extending to the corner of Stafford Street. The roof of Dickieon's restaurant caught on several occasions, and three bedrooms were reduced to rums. Luckily the wind died down, which confined the fire in its later stages within the four walls of the Express Company's building itself. The sparks ignited a number of crates of empty bottles stored by Rowley and Iveast, in the section in Stafford Street adjoining their bottling stores, doing damage to the extent of £500. Thos. Brown, owner of the Express Company's building, had a policy for £2500 in the New Zealand Company and £100 on the fittings in the same office. Howison, who leased part of the ground floor, was insured for £1100 in the Royal. Fairbairn, manufacturer's agent, was insured for £idU on his goods in the Royal. Dickison, owner of the dining rooms, estimates his loss at £2000. Foster, representing Roberts, Ltd., had insurances of £700 in the Allianme and £800 in the Commercial Union. Four travellers who used the premises for stocking samples estimate their joint loss at; £3000. They are Messrs Steele, representing Dawson and Maudslev, of Wellington, Gatson, who has a number of Home agencies, Fothergill, and S. Martin. LATER The total fire damages exceeds £10 000. Ross and Glendinmg s hat factory in Stafford Street was damaged to 'the extent of £500, covered by insurance. The total insurances are approximately £7000.