FIRE AT ASHBURTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15719, 21 September 1914, Page 3

FIRE AT ASHBURTON.

SHOPS GUTTED OR DAMAGED.

[BY telegraph.—PßESS association.]

AsirorßTON, Sunday. Fire was discovered in a one-storey block of brick buildings, next to the Bank of, New Zealand, in East Street, at 2.45 this! morning. The outbreak, the cause of; which is a mystery, appeared to have' started in the back of the block, which 1 was part of the estate of the late George Ccleman. The central shop, occupied by Mr. J. Burgees, bookseller, was completely gutted, and practically the whole stock destroyed. Much damage was also dona ■ to Mr. T. Crook's fruit shop, and nearly all his stock was destroyed by fire, smoke, I and water. The front of the shop next the bank, occupied by Messrs. Robilliard and Sons, jewellers, was also burnt, and considerable damage done to the stock, j This is fully covered by an insurance of £1000 in the Yorkshire Office. Mr. Burgess's stock was insured in the Alliance Office for a small amount, and ho will be a heavy loser. Mr. Crooks had a policy of £130 in the Norwich Union. There was a policy of £250 on each shop in the Phoenix Office.