FIRE DAMAGES CLOTHING FACTORY

Northern Advocate, 27 March 1937, Page 12

FIRE DAMAGES CLOTHING FACTORY

Outbreak Soon After Closing On Thursday [Per Press Association. Copyright.'] CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Damage estimated at £II,OOO was. caused by a fire in the premises of Millers, Ltd., clothing manufacturers and retailers, at the corner of Litchfield and High Streets, about 45 minutes after the shops closed on Thursday night. The flames destroyed stock and plant to the value of £IO,OOO, and damaged the building to the extent of about £IOOO. The outbreak began in a workroom -on the top storey. The firemen had the outbreak under control in a little ovef half an hour after the call was received. Five engines were called to the scene, including the electric extension ladder. Although th4re was a crowd of more than 3000 spectators, there was litle trouble in controlling them. Completely Spoiled. In the sewing room for men’s garments were more than 50 sewing machines and many hundreds of pairs of trousers and coats in varying'stages of completion.’ These were completely spoiled. The sewing machines were in many cases charred. They were valued at from £IOO dbwnwards. Many members of the staff were engaged yesterday under the direction of the proprietor, Mr L. B. Miller, in restoring order. The stock and plant were insured by Lloyds for about £70,000. The building was insured in the Standard and Morgan Office for £30,000.