BIG FIRE AT TAIHAPE.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12477, 2 March 1909, Page 4

BIG FIRE AT TAIHAPE.

THIRTEEiNT BUSINESS PREMISES DESTROYED. [United^ Pkess Association.] ■"■ "• Wellington, March 1. The Secretary of the General Post Omce was advised at Br3o to-night by the Postmaster at Taihape that a large fi je bad occurred in 'the business part of the town. Twelve, business places were destroyed, including Messrs Ellis and DarviH's block. ."- The fire is now (10 p.m.) under control. . ' Later. A message from Taihape states a most j destructive fire -occurred this evening when the whole'blocks in Main street and Station street were totally destroyed. Thirteen business prepnses, «"ere gutted. The fire started m Whaler Bros' boot shop and it spread. rapidly right arid left. Fortunately it was a calm night. The sufferers are McPherson, tailor; Nichol, jeweller; Finch( stationer; the Labour Department ; 3.J2. Aldridge, insurance agent; Hautipo tea rooms, Wmit-combe-dentist; Wonk Kee, fruiterer • Jones, painter ; Hodgson, plumber Orarner, seed merchant. Not a stick of timber is left. The police sergeant's residenceand shops opposite were only saved by the strenuous exertions of the crowd, who worked willingly. The lire Brigade was just proceeding to the tram for Auckland for the demonstration, but they remained behind. Their services .were of little use, no water being available. The- total insurances are riot available.