FIRE IN NELSON

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9620, 28 March 1917, Page 4

FIRE IN NELSON

BUSINESS BLOCK DESTROYED SHOPS AND BULK STORK RAZES) TO GROUND. Press Association. NELSON. March 37. The most disastrous lire that has occurred in Nelson for -many years broke out in a block of wooden shops in Trafalgar street to-night. The following premises wore totally desuoyod. Light-band and Uo., boot and shoe importers, Jackson and Co.. Ltd., booksellers and stationers, and W. C. Ansell, chemist. Buxton and Co., Ltd., ironmongers and general merchants, bad their bulk store, running behind the other premises mentioned, destroyed also. Buxton’s main building, a largo brick structure separated from Jackson’s by a narrow right-of-way, was for a long time in grout danger, tho fire repeatedly breaking into the top floor. The strenuous efforts of the brigade, however, prevented the spread of the flames in this direction. Buxton and Co.’s loss, as fur as the main (building is concerned, is confined to that due to heat, smoko, and water. On the north ' aide the fire was checked by a now brick building owned by Brown Bros, and occupied by Trail ion and Co., drapers The damage in these premises was slight, and wholly caused bv boat and smoke. Salvage from Jackson’s, Lightiband’s, and Buxton’s bulk stores was impossible. but some of Anscll’s stock was got out. The damage will run into many thousands of pounds, but estimates are not yet possible. Details of insurances are not available to-nigbt, but those on Light-band's stock and Jackson and' Co.’s buildings and stock aro all held in the Alliance Office, and Buxton’s in the New Zealand Office. The fire brigade worked splendidly but were hampered for some time a a critical stage of the fire by an ir adequate water supply.