DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19958, 29 May 1928, Page 10

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

LARGE BUILDING BURNED. UNEASINESS AT PICTON. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM, Monday. A mysterious fire which broke out in the early hours of yesterday morning destroyed Jensen's building in Picton. It contained between 60 aud 70 rooms, in addition to shops on the ground floor. The building was erected 20 years ago and intended for an hotel, but a licence was never granted. Only two rooms were occupied at the time of the fire, these being Mr. C. E. Moffatt'g dental parlours. The fire originated in the deserted upper storey, and spread with great rapidity, the concrete apartments downstairs serving as funnels for the admission of a draught to the upper wooden portions. The flames spread to Mr. C. E. Townsend's 10-roomed residence adjoining, but after a great fight by the brigade the* house was saved The fire followed on the destruction of the State school last week, and is one of a series of mysterious outbreaks in Picton which has caused some uneasiness among the townsfolk. The only insurance on Jensen's buildiug was £IOOO in the Poyal Office. Mr. Moffatt was insured for £760 in the same office. Mr. Townsend's house is insured for £1250 and the contents for £450 in the Sun Office.