FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10132, 15 May 1896, Page 3 (Supplement)

FIRES.

A fire broke out at Wanganui on Wednesday morning, the 6th of May, in the premises of Cummins, Sharpe and Co., grocers, in the store-room, and got a good hold before the alarm was given. The fire spread rapidly to the adjoining office of Mr. Burnett, solicitor, and the shop of Mr. Cumberland, cabinetmaker. Cummins' shop was completely destroyed, and the other two places gutted. The insurances are: Cummins' building, £500 in the Sun, on stock £750 Liverpool, London and Gjobe, £250 South British, and £250 Northern. Burnett, £250 in the Norwich Union j furniture and books, £150 in the Victoria. Cumberland's shop, £250 in the Imperial. The latter's stock was uninsured. Most of it was removed, but the loss sustained is £200. Cummins is a heavy loser of £1200. Burnett had a narrow escape, and also Mrs. Harris, both of whom were sleeping on the premises. An extensive fire occurred in High-street, Marton, on the Ist of May. The Post and Telegraph Office, the residence of Dr. MacCarthy, the- Salvation Army Barracks, and the workshop, furniture warehouse, and dwelling-houso of 8. H. Russell wero completely destroyed. The Courthouse was also totally wrecked. The documents in the Courthouse and Post Office were saved, also the apparatus in the Telegraph Office, but only by the strenuous efforts of the officials and others. The Police Station, Advocate office, and other buildings narrowly escaped, and bub for the efforts of the Fire Brrgade and citizens, all Highstreet must have gone. The fire originated in S. H. Russell's workshop, but the cause is at present unknown. Ib was first noticed at 4.15 a.m. Insurances; Russell's premises, furniture, and stock, £400 in the New Zealand and £100 in the Phoenix j Dr. McCarthy's residence (owned by Mrs, Lyon), £500 in the Phoenix. Dr. MacCarthy loses £140 in surgical instruments, etc., and Adjutant Perry, Salvation Army, £800 worth of panoramic views, all uninsured. A fire broke out at Maaterton on Sunday night, April 19th, in the Wnirarapa Star office, spreading to premises occupied byH, Cole (fishmonger), A. H. Top (fruiterer), and Winchester (bakor). The first three buildings wore completely destroyed, and the last was partially burned Fortunately there was no wind, or the damage would have been greater, The insurances are : Star block, £700 in the North British ; Cargill's stock and plant, £800, divided amongst the Standard, Koyal, North, Liverpool, London and Globe ; Cole, £50 on furniture with the Herman ; A. H 'Top, £200 with the North German;, Win Chester, £100, Alliance.