FIRES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14277, 18 August 1910, Page 5

FIRES.

EXTENSIVE LOSSES. THIEVES ARRESTED. I'toss As»ciation-Bv Xeleiraph-Copwiidii LONDON, August "l6\ The exhibits burned at Brussels include a collection of antique furniture and ornaments from many private mansions in England, valued at £50,000; old china from South Kensington valued at £IO,OOO, and some good new English pictures, including works by Messrs Orchardson, East and Shannon. Amongst the articles stolen is an aigrette worth £BOO. Several tsieves were arrested laden with booty. The buildings destroyed were insured for £92.000. Only sixteen pieces of pottery were saved from the British section. Some goldsmiths' work and uncnt diamonds from De Beers mine are buried in the debris of the Belgian section. SERIOUS DAMAGE.

BRISBANE, August 17. A fire seriously damaged the Federal Chambers in Queen Street. The promises of several tenants were burned out or seriously injured. The damage is not stated. GREAT DESTRUCTION. Per Press Association. WANGANUI, August 17. A disastrous fire occurred in the Sontluim Cross Biscuit Company's premises this morning, whereby the whole factory and contents were" completely destroyed, including the building comprising bread, biscuit and confectionery departments. The fire started at the rear of the factory near the bread department, and aided by -a strong wind, soon enveloped the "whole buildings. There was a poor pressure of water in the mains owing to there being "dead ends," and only the arrival of the fire engine saved the flourmill adjoining. Fears were entertained that the fire would spread to the tramway power-house and sheds adjoining, and the cars were run out to the open' but the only damage was that the switchboard got soaked with water. The insurances total £7775. including £21)00 on the- mill (uiiiniured). The following offices aro affected:—South British, Sun, Commercial Union, Ocean. Yorkshire, Australian Alliums, and Victoria. About sixty hands have been thrown out of employment by the fire.