FIRE IN STRATFORD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2978, 12 April 1911, Page 12

FIRE IN STRATFORD.

ELEVEN PEOPLE INJURED. STRATFORD, April 6. A disastrous fir© occurred early this morning. It destroyed the largest single two-storey building in Stratford, known as the Trocadero, containing Prebble's private hotel of about 60 rooms, also a row of shops on the ground floor occupied by the Singer Sewing Machine Agency, A. Roach (bootmaker), and Bowates an 3 Co. (land agents). These were totally destroyed, with contents, .and the shops occupied by G. Gould (confectioner). Lane (fruiterer), and Beckett and Roberts (painters and paperhangers) were gutted and damaged by water. Three persons were seriously injur ?d and taken to the Stratford Hospital suffering from burns. Six others were slightly inured by 'burning, and two through jumping from upstairs windows. The condition of Miss K. G. Goreon (milliner) is critical, and that of Miss Flora Thompson (telephone operator) is also serious. So far as has been ascertained the hotel furniture was insured for £3OO in the London and Lancashire. It is believed that the insurances on the building amount to £3OOO, the Commercial Union being the principal holders. April 7. All those injured in the Trocadero fire yesterday morning are progressing well, and there is no immediate danger. It is difficult to obtain details of the insurances as so many small interests are affected. The building was owned by Mi- H. A. Prebble, was valued at £SOOO, and wrs insured ior £IOOO in the Guardian and for £I6OO in the Commercial Union office; Mr Prebble's furniture was valued at over £9OO, and was, insured for £375 in the London and Lancashire office.