SYMONDS STREET FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19753, 28 September 1927, Page 12

SYMONDS STREET FIRE.

FANCY GOODS SHOP. DESTRUCTION OF CONTENTS. GOOD WORK BY THE BRIGADE. A two-storeyed shop near the top of Symonds Street was badly damaged by fire shortly before 11 o'clock last evening. The -prompt arrival of the fire brigade could not save it, for, although the flames were sotm extinguished, they had reduced the interior of the building to ruins. The ground floor of the premises is occupied by Mr. J. T. Harris, proprietor of Mack's fancy goods and toy shop. There is also on the ground floor a receiving branch for the New Zealand Dry Cleaning Company. Upstairs there are several rooms, and two *n the front of the building are occupied. They were used by a dressmaker. The fire evidently broke out in the back of the shop on the ground tioor. The flames spread along the dry wood work, and in a few minutes practically the whole of the ground floor was burning fiercely. At the rear of the building the flames shot up through a large skylight and set fire to the back rooms of the top floor By the time the brigade arrived the stairs were also alight, and it seemed that the whole building was n. the grip of the flames * Four leads of hose were soon concentrated on the fire, two from Symonds Street, one from the back of the building, and one from Newton Road. The firemen, working under the direction of Superintendent W. L. Wilson, soon had the flames in check. In a few minutes the red glow that had been noticed from many parts of the city had disappeared, but dense clouds of smoke had filled the air, and could be noticed as far down Symonds Street as Grafton Bridge. The quick work of the brigade discounted greatly the chances of a spread of the flames to adjoining buildings. These were also rendered comparatively safe fly the presence of stout brick walls. A large crowd gathered in Symonds Street to watch the fire. At one time there was a long line of cars waiting to get through the spectators. The stock of Mr. Harris, which was almost completely ruined, was insured with the Eagle, Star and British Dominions Office. However, he did not think the insurance was sufficient to cover his loss. The New Zealand Dry Clean ing Company was unable to state whether there was a great deal of clothing left by customers at its depot.