FIRE AT KELSON COLLEGE.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 25

FIRE AT KELSON COLLEGE.

THE BUILDING DESTROYED.

NELSON, December 7.

The Nelson Boys' College caught fire jusl before noon, and was completely destroyed, except the sanatorium. Owing to the lack of water at the start the fire got a good hold, and when the supply was better the water was unavailing. The fire was discovered in a fourth form class room, where smoke was • observed. The outbreak apparently occurred al 11.45 a.m. in the north-east corner, between the ceiling of the lower floor and the floor of the upper storey.

The value of tho building and contents was £15,000. Insurances : On the building — Liverpool and London and Globe, £2500; New Zealand, South British, and National, £1000 each ; Imperial, £800. On the furniture — New Zealand and Liverpool and London and Globe, £500 each; Victoria, £350. The New Zealand office had also £50 on the carpenters' tools. The building was owned by the Education Board.

The lack of water supply was due to tho town sxipply not being turned off early er.ough.

Forty-five years ago to-day the foundation stone of Nelson College was laid by Governor Brown. Of lale the building has been largely added to, but the whole, including gymnasium and laundry (detached), was completely destroyed by fire, the sanatorium alone being left. The origin of the fire is unexplained. The building was being painted, but it was particularly specified that no fire should be used. The water supply was very bad. Offers were .received within three hours to accommodate as many as 300 by private citizens and othev institutions, and all the boarders and resident; masters were provided for. Though some of the boys have lost clothing, none were hurt, and a great deal was saved, including the honours board, pianos. furniture, bedding, and books. The governors have* airanged to continue the ordinary school work to-morrow at the School of Music, and the prizes will be distributed on the 15th, as arranged by Mr J. W. Joynt. Local old boys are doing all in their power to> assist, and it is confidently believed there will be no check in the work of the institution. Fortunately the college house, in which some boaxders are accommodated 1 , is available, and further provision will be** made during the holidays. Sympathetic telegrams have been received from the Premier, Chief Justice, Attorney-general, Mr Littlejohn, and many old boys.

The Timaru Herald says the effect of the> eastern mole upon the inner harbour was well seen on Friday laet, when two of the bigger steamers were working comfortably at the Main wharf and two Union Company's boats at the Moody wharf, with no risk in any case of breaking their mooring lines. A big storm must have been raging at some distance to the eastward, as z pretty heavy sea had been running for 3 few days from almost due east.