CITY FIRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11875, 8 July 1924, Page 6

CITY FIRE

UNLUCKY MERCER. SECOND FERE IN SHOP. The prevalence of fire on Lambton quay lias been rather marked of late, and again yesterday morning an outbreak occurred, this time in the premises by Bruce Howe, outfitter, in the buildings owned by Messrs Harold Brown and Co. Mr Bruce Howe has only recently taken over -the business in the present locality, and the shop was remodelled for bis purposes'. About 11.30 o’clock yesterday morning a fire was caused through a box of wax matches igniting. The box was dropped by the person holding, it, and it fell on a heap of light paper, which immediately blazed up. In a few minutes the fire had a strong hold. The flames soon began to burst through into the street. The Central Brigade was immediate ly summoned, were promptly in attendance, and the outbreak was quickly under control, but not before considerable damage had been done. Other premises adjacent were saved from damage except these of the White House tea rooms, owned by Mrs Lavers. Here the rooms were damaged by water and smoke. The contents as well as the fittings of the clothier’s shop were practically totally destroyed. Mr Howe was insured in the United Office for £I4OO, and Mrs Lavers m the same ofiioe for ’£lso. The insurances on the building were not available last night. The present fire is the 9eoond of late in which Mr Howe has been a loser.