DISASTROUS FIRE AT HAMILTON.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13050, 9 March 1911, Page 4

DISASTROUS FIRE AT HAMILTON.

AUCTION MART DESTROYED. Hamiiton, Marcli 8. A disastrous fire broke out shortly rfter six this oreiiiny, wlii(.-h totally destroyed Messrs. King and C'o.'s auction mart, with its contents., and gutted the Waikato Hospital Board's buildings next door. The fire originated in a small office in, the block occupied by Mr. D. Luxford, manager of the B]ir.d Institute Tea Agency, and spread rapidly. Most of the firemen are away at Hokitika, and the Brigade was'assisted by civilians, who without a recognised head, did little. In addition the water pressure- was poor. The extent of the damage is not known, but apparently 0.-erything went. Luckily there was no wind or the whole block would have gone. King and Co.'s buildings are ownird by Mr. Ralph Holland, of Ashburton, and it is believed all are covered by insurance, but the amount is .not available. The fire has now been subdued, and there is little danger of it renewing.