THE STRATFORD FIRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 41

THE STRATFORD FIRE.

FIRE BRIGADE'S SPLENDID WORJt. STRATFORD, May 6. A fortunate change of wind and th« spkmdid work of the fire brigade undoubfc* edly saved the fire from tailing the whole street to Mr Newton King's corner, and possibly beyond that. The fire was rested at the Central Co-operative Storey on one side and by Foster's on the other. Both premises were severely damaged. Th/9 whole of the buildings were on railway, leases, and naturally were not so solidly built as those on freehold.

So far the origin of the fire is a mystery. The lessee of the shop where the firs broke out is Mr T. J. Sheehan, a retumeqi soldier, who is at present at Rotorua. Ilia brother was managing the business© for him. At a few minutes to 12 Dr' StevcA passed the buildings, . when everything _ ap* peared to be right, but just after midnight the flames burst forth in great volume. Sheehan's building was owned by Dr TV L. Paget, now of Palmerson North; Fill*. nerty's by Mr Wake (solicitor, of Auok*i land); and the York Chambers block by" Mr Ebenezer Burgess, now resident oM Hamilton, _ The insurances so far available amounf to £2755.