THE OPUNAKE FIRE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 7490, 30 May 1885, Page 2

THE OPUNAKE FIRE.

(UNITED TRESS ASSOCIATION.) Haweba, May 29. The only particulars re the Opunake fire, by which Preiser’* Hotel was destroyed, as yet to hand, are that the fire commenced about 3 o’clock at the West end of the building. Some shavings in DuffitTa furniture shop, on the opposite corner, canght fire, but it was fortunately discovered in time, otherwise there is no doubt several buildings between Dufßll’s and Crowther’e would have gone. The alarm was given by Mr Crowther by tinging the school bell. The cause is not known. The building was destroyed with extraordinary rapidity. The fire was first noticed about half-past three, and by four o’clock the building was totally destroyed, there being a strong wind blowing at the time. Whether the fire broke oat la the billiard room or the storeroom appears to be a mystery. A quantity of furniture was saved, but nothing to any great value.

The hotel was built about five years ago, and was very comfortable and commodious. There were about twenty bedrooms, and la<ge dining and billiard rooms. Some time ago extensive stabling was burnt down, but the insurance policy had expired a few days before, and it bad not been reinsured. The buildings coat over £2OOO, bo the proprietor must be a heavy loser. The hotel was built by Mr John Prosser, who was well known in Wellington some years ago, and was leased to hia brother, Mr Samuel Prosser, who ran a coach from Wellington to Pahautanuj for many years, but sold out in order to take over the Empire Hotel at Opunake. There are few hotels to be found ia country towns like the one just burnt down, and it was very handsomely furnished.