FIRE IN HARDY STRUT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 16 October 1920, Page 4

FIRE IN HARDY STRUT

A BUILDING GCITED About 8.30 last evening a fixe was observed at a building off Hardy i>t., formerly used as a studio by Mr H. B ruse wit z. The fire had a big hold when discovered by Miss Anderson, of the Masonic Hotel staff. At the time the alarm was given the -Eire Brigade were holding a meeting in the Station Hoorn, and were therefore enabled to get to the scene in a.very short time. Water was quickly played 'on to the flames, and considering the hold the fire had the Brigade did good work. The building, a large one, of two storeys, .stood well back from the road and was isolated. It was well-built structure, and comparatively new. It. was purchased a short time ago by Mr H. Raigent. of the Masonic Hotel, used by him as a storehouse, and also a* -a brooder-house. At the time there were between 300 and 400 chickens in the building, ranging in age from several weeks to a few days. Mr Baigent left the premises about 6.30 and everything then was apparently safe. Mr ilaigent. is a heavy loser in chickens hatching and rearing plant, feed, etc. In the upstairs portion Mr 8. JRfimdstnn had a large quantity of furniture stored, and this-suffered very considerably. Mr Bomdston had £IOO of insurance in the .Phoenix office, but his loss will bo heavy a's the furniture was valuer at about £6OO. Mi\ Baigont had a policy of £SOO in the N.Z. Insurance Office, but,the loss is estimated at twice that sum. Mr Brusewitz lost a good deal of photographic plant, including some’expensive cameras. He had no insurance and his Jo?* is estimated at between £2OO and £3OO. • POST OFFICE AND STORE DESTROYED. t United' Press Association) THAMES, This pay,, The Poet Office and store at Hikuai. near Taima, were totally destroyed by iire last night. Nothing was saved. The insurance is not available.