DESTRUCTIVE EIRE IN WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10411, 8 April 1897, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE EIRE IN WELLINGTON.

[BY TKLECIRAI'U.— I'KESS ASSOCIATION,!

Wellington, Wednesday. The Chamber Hall was almost completely destoyed by fire, which evidently broke out in the centre of the hall used for dancing classes, The absence of wator prevented one of tlio occupants putting out the flumes in an incipient stage. The building was owned by Mr. William Mitchell, and was formerly the Odd follows' Hall on l.ambton Quay. It is insured for only £250 in the Commercial Union, which is rnuoh below it? value. Robert?, the caretaker, had £200 in the National on tho furniture and effects. Mrs. Cowan, at present in Auckland, had £100 in the National on goods stored in the hall. A couple of small storekeepers under the hall had. no insurance. Whilo the firo engine, with Captain Kernsley and eight others on it, was proceeding to the fire, it ran into the steam roller, which bad no light showing, All were thrown to the ground, bub fortunately escaped with but a severe shaking. Captain Klmsley suffered the most, as he had his back turned to the horses, giving instructions to the men, when the collision happened, but he went and directed the men at the fire, Hi is progressing favourably.