FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11770, 27 September 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

FIRES.

A fire broke out on Sept. 12 just before six p.m. in the three-storey paper warehouse of the Herald Printing Works, situate in Mills' Lane. It was over two hours before the fire was thoroughly suppressed. The buildings and contents were insured for £8000 in the various insurance companies. The origin of the fire, is a, mystery. Home stock had been taken into the warehouse during the afternoon, but the last cart had left at half-past four o'clock. Certain of the employees had been working past the usual hour of closing to clear a space for further stock expected to come to hand next day, and left the premises at twenty minutes to six o'clock. There appeared no sign or smell of fire at that time. They left two other employees in the third storey, Messrs. Forbes and Smith. Smith went towards the staircase, finding smoke issuing up in that direction, but was unable to reach it. The two men went to the western end of the building, and by means of a ladder they were enabled to escape. Arrangements were made so that the business of the firm was not interfered with.

Shortly after six o'clock on Sept. 9, Mr. A R. Tyler's crockeryware premises in Queen-street were found to be on fire. The fire brigade succeeded in suppressing the flames, and in confining them to the premises in which they originated. Mr. Tyler will be a 'user not only by loss of trade until the stock is replaced, but also from the fact that this class of goods has gone up lately from 15 to 20 per cent- The risks on the stock are £800 in the South British and £900 in the National. The South British has a policy of £400 on the building in favour of the 'Fountain of Friendship, M.U., the owners of the property. At one a.m. on Sept." 24 a fire broke out in Mr. E. R. Kidd's store in the main street of Winton, destroying the eight buildings, comprising the business block, namely: — Kidd's store, McWilliam Bros.' store, Perry's Hotel and stables, J. M. Kennedy's (tobacconist), W. J. Lyon (fancy goods). National Mortgage Company's store and office, Moore's Hall, butcher's shop, and bakery, F. A. Cole (saddler), W. Cameron (photographer), and J. F. Vernon (fishmonger). The loss exceeds £10,000. The insurances are as follows: Kidd's buildings, £405; Commercial Union; Kidd's stock, £350, Royal Exchange, and £150 Commercial; McWilliam• Bros.' store, £800, and stock £850, New Zealand Company: Perry's Hotel, £950, and stables, £150, New Zealand Company; Moore's buildings, £150, New Zealand Company; Cole's buildings, £60, New Zealand Company ; Cameron's, £50, New Zealand. Company; Kennedy's, £25, New Zealand Company. "■' The upstair portion of the Albion Hotel Napier, was completely gutted by fire oa Sept. 24. All the boarders escaped unhurt, though they lost all their effects. The building was owned by the Rob Johns Estate, and was insured in the Standard for £1200. Mr. J. E. Ikin, the licensee, was covered by an insurance of £750 on the furniture aud stock in the Norwich Union Company.