Big Fire in Wellington

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 278, 24 November 1939, Page 7

Big Fire in Wellington

ENGINEERING WORKS GUTTED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 23. Tho biggest fire in Wellington since the Victoria Street blaze eight months ago broke out about 8.30 to-night and gutted the engineering and machinery works of J. C. Riddell and Co., Ltd. The building, which is of three floors and of concrete and brick construction, is situated in Edward Street, a small lane running at right angles to Herbert Street off Manners Street in the centre of the city. Forty firemen fought the blaze for more than two hours before it was finally quelled. As the building is in the heart of a closely-built block of warehouses and manufacturing firms and only a short distance from the Manners Street shops, the spread of tho fire might have brought disastrous results. The brigade, however, was on tho scene within two minutes of tho alarm being given, and though faced from tho start with a difficult task, for the fire had obtained a good hold beforo the alarm, it was aided by the absenco of wind. The building was constructed about 32 years ago and for nearly 16 years had been owned and occupied by Bidden and Company. Tho insurances for the building and contents are with the London and Liverpool and Globe Insurance Company, Limited.