FIRES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 995, 27 March 1891, Page 26

FIRES.

WHANGARKI COURTHOUSE AND MASONIC HALL BURNT. (per press association.) Auckland, March 24. A serious fire occurred at the township of Whangarei this morning, when the Courthouse and Masonic Hall were burned to the ground. The fire broke out at 3 o clock m the morning in the Courthouse, and in a short spaoe of time spread to the Masonic Hall adjoining. Both buildings were soon totally destroyed. The store and dwelling house of Mr Wilson were in great danger, bufc were saved by the efforts of those who had assembled. The cause of tho outbreak is at present unknown. All the books in the Courthouse were destroyed. Part of this building was used as the Warden s office. The Courthouse was not insured, but tho Masonic Hall was protected by a policy of £4OO in tho Imperial office. Invercargill, March 24. The drapery store of O. Cummins, in Mataura township, was destroyed by fare early this morning, with its contents, the Post office being only saved by the strenuous efforts of the bucket brigade. The build ng was not insured. The stock was insured for £SOO in the New Zealand office. , Mr Cummins eetimates his loss at £I2OO, having judt got in a considerable quantity of new stock.