SERIOUS FIRE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 15 February 1933, Page 4

SERIOUS FIRE

SAMPLE ROOM GUTTED STOCKS OF SIX FIRMS AFFECTED SPLENDID SAVE BY NELSON BRIGADE A large sample room in Hardy street owned by Messrs Grant Bros., and occupied by Mr J. Little, was gutted by fire last night at about 11.20 o’clock, sample stocks valued at approximately £BOO being destroyed. When the alarm was given a strong northerly wind was blowing and the fire had a strong hold in the sample room, which is situated in a lane at the rear of Messrs Grant Bros, main building. However the Nelson Volunteer Brigade was prompt in its response to the call and great credit must be given its members for a magnificent save. By the time the bells were rung the flames were issuing through the large skylights in the roof of the building, making a bright glare over the town, but despite this the actual fire damage was confined to the one room. The rooms are so situated that the adjacent buildings are Messrs Page and Sons workshops on two sides and Montgomery’s garage on the other, while just across the lane in front is Grant Bros, main building and Hall and Coote’s garage, and only the fine effort by the brigade saved further considerable damage. It is only about three months ago that two outbreaks —one in Page and Sons workshop and the other in the sample room adjoining the one affected by last night’s fire —occurred in the same lane. It was considered those two outbreaks, which were extinguished in the early stages, were surrounded by suspicious circumstances. In the room which was gutted last night, no less 'than five outside firms had sample stocks and the occupier also had - a small amount of effectß stored in the building. The firms whoso samples were destroyed were the Wanganui Woollen Mills, Albert Woolley Ltd. (Auckland), Blair and Kent Ltd. (Auckland), C. H. Halford Ltd. (Auckland), and Gollin and Co., Pty., Ltd. (Wellington). Extensive water damage was done to stock in the adjoining room belonging to P. Hayman and Co. (Dunedin), for whom Mr J. R. McKay is the local representative, i The building was insured for £7OO in the South British Office. Mr Little had no insurance on liis own goods, but it is anticipated the firms affected would have their sample stocks insured.

The flames which issued through the rear windows of the building 1 did a small amount of, damage in Page and Sons furniture factory.