FIRES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 45

FIRES.

AUCKLAND, December 27. In connection with the fire which occurred on the morning of December 24 in Smeetoa'f shop, Queen street, when extensive damage was done, the insurances totalled £-14,500, the risk on the stock being £24,500. The j latter amount was distributed over 10 com- i panics, while the £20,000 on the buildings was distributed over three companies. WELLINGTON, December 31. V

A large residence ot: the Terrace, owned and occupied by Mr David Nathan, was burned to the ground this afternoon. The family was at lunch when the outbreak oc- ' currcd upstairs. Mr Nathan attempted to put the flames out with a garden hose, but, ' fanned by a light breeze, the flames had too strong a hold ".'hen the brigade axrived, and it could do nothing. Mr Nathan lost everything, including a valuable col lee- ' tion of silver and jewellery. The complete insurances are unknown yet, but the Norwich Union oflice has £ISOO on the house and £SOOO o n the contents.

The ironmongery establishment of Messrs Laidlaw and Gray, in Cargill road, was discovered to bo on fire about 3 o'clock on the 27th ult. The City Brigade arrived a few minutes after the South Dunedin Brigade, which effected a good save by a smart effort. The outbreak originated -i through some burning rubbish on the out- J side of the building eating its way through ' the wooden door. The flames spread to the shelves and walls, but very little damage . was done, the flames being extinguished before they obtained a firm hold of the building. The firm's stock is insured foe * between £SOO and £/00 with the Guardian oflice, and it is estimated that the damage to the stock and fittings through fire will , amount to about £ls. No damage what- ' ever was, done by water. The premises ara owned by Mr J. M'Donald, of St. Clair, | and are "insured for £IOOO. A fire broke out about 10 o'clock on Sunday, 24th. in the cheese factory at Takae ■' matua (German Bay), near Akaroa, and, i aided by a strong south-easterly breeze, re- / suited in the complete destruction of tha building, in spite of the strenuous efforts of a band of willing 1 workers. The bulk of the cheese in stock, nearly 14 tons, was removed. The manager's house had a narrow escape. It is believed that the fira started in the engine room. The insurances, all in the Stato oflice. are as follow: — Stock and boiler. £1000: factory building-, £350. utensils, £375. The chairman o! . directors estimates the loss at £IOOO abova the insurance.