FIRES.

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 9941, 30 June 1893, Page 4

FIRES.

(PRESS ASHOCIA.TION.iI Christchurch, June 29. A narrow escape from a sorloas fire occurred at one o’clock this morning, when a constable on duty discovered smoke issuing from the buildings principally occupied by the Alliance Insurance Company and the Agricultural and X’astoral Association. Owing* to the promptness of the Fire Brigade, tho fire was subdued, but not before considerable damage bad been done. On the walla of tho Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s rooms were a number of valuable oil paintings of previous presidents and draught stock, and a splendid collection of photographs of prize and pedigree stock. These were either seriously damaged or totally destroyed. The Alliance Insurance offices were not muoh damaged. The causa of tho fire la not known. The insurances are £BOD in tbs South British, £9OO in the New Zealand office j £139 on the books, £135 on the furniture, and £235 on the pictures, tho property of tho Agricultural and Pastoral Association, all in the New Zealand office. (from our own correspondent.) Palmerston North, June 29. Yesterday evening a six-roomed house waa completely destroyed by fire. The house was owned and occupied by Mr H. Downey, an engine-driver, whose children were with difficulty rescued through a window. The piano was destroyed, as was a quantity of the furniture, besides the clothing of the family. The furniture was not insured, but there was a policy for £IOO on the house.