DESTRUCTIVE FIRES IN THE SOUTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8539, 13 April 1891, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES IN THE SOUTH.

[BY TISLEGKAPH. —I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.] Palmkuston North, Saturday. The largest and most disastrous fire that ever occurred in Pahnerston North took place early this morning. The fire originated in Regan's twelve-roomed boardinghouse, and spread on both sides to J. R. Montague's auction rooms, occupied by the owner and the Native Land Court; J. Sorrell's furniture warehouse, occupied by the owner and E. B. Pearce (commission agent); ,T. H. Hankin's buildings, occupied by Wright and Co. (grocers); L. B. Clark (draper); J. 11. Hankin's (solicitor); and T. IT. James (architect). The occupants of the boardinghoufe barely c.«caped with their lives by jumping from the windows. Nothing was saved from this place, but from the other buildings most of the contents were saved. The strong room and fire safes in the office of Hankin were untouched, and all the deeds and papers of the clients saved. The Bank of New Zealand was in great danger at one time. The insurances, as far as can bo ascertained, are:—Montague's premises, £350 on the building; £150 on the stock ; estimated loss, £500. Sorrell's, £300 on the building ; stock, uninsured. Pearce was uninsured ; his estimated loss is £500. Hankin's building, £550 on the building ; Hankin's furniture and books, £200. Wright and Co.'s stock, £500. Clark uninsured ; James uninsured. Wellington, Sunday. At one o'clock this morning the fishcuring establishment, at Ivaiwarra, 'owned by Nicholas Fernandez,'fish exporter, was destroyed by lire. The building and plant were insured for £300 in tho North German office; but Mr. Fernandez estimates his loss at £500 above that sum. Nothing is known as to how the fire originated.