FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10427, 27 April 1897, Page 5

FIRES.

[BT TKLEQRAfH.-OWN CORRE9FONEEHT.] Paeroa, Monday. A FIRE occurred at the Junction this morning, whon a two-storied building comprising twelve rooms, owned by Caesrells and

Bennett, and occupied to Mr. G. Smith, was destroyed. The building was one of a number at the old Junction sawmills,

formerly worked by Mr. R. P. Gibbons, and was recently leased to Mr. Smith The latter has just entered into partnership with Mr, Hartley with the intention of re-working the old bush. The machinery of the sawmill was consequently -seb in motion this morning, and it is assumed that some sparks from the chimney stack fell on the roof of the dwellinghouse destroyed. Being composed of ehingle the roof was quickly set ablaze, and the fire spread over the whole building. Nothing could be done in the way of saving the building, and it wa3 reduced to aehes. Very little furniture was saved. Mr. Smith estimates his loss at £150, there being no insuranco on the furniture. Among the contents destroyed was about £30 worth of grocories and provisions lately removod from Mr. Smith's store at Paeroa, The building was

insured in North German office for £200. An inquiry connected with Adams Bros.' late fire at Karaegahake was held today, before Mr. Forrest (coroner). Mr. Kussoll (solicitor, of Auckland) represented Adams Bros. ; Mr. G. A. Graham, the Commercial Union and North German Insurance Companies ; and Mr. MailsUnd the Phoenix Company. No new light was obtained as to how the "fire originated, but in the course of tlioir evidence the Adams Brothore showed that they were very heavy losers by the fire, the value of stock, etc., destroyed amounting to £3500, only £1300 of which was co»erod by insurance. They, therefore, suffered to the extent of £2200. Tho jury, without any hesitation, returned a verdict to the effect that there was no evidence to show how the lire occurred, whilib a rider was added stating that as Adams Brothers were heavy losere by the fire, no suspicion was attached to them.

[bv telegraph.—press association.] Inveroabqiia. Monday. A boarding-house at the Bluff, owned by Mr. E. Tuckor and occupied by Mrs. Wateon, was destroyed by fire. The building was insured for £200 in the National, and the furniture for £100 in the Imperial Company- -__-—-=-=-