FIRES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14323, 13 October 1910, Page 5

FIRES.

BIG LOSS AT TAUMARANUI. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. 12. The "Star's'' Tauiiiuninui eorros« poudent wires that a disastrous lire, which started at 2.15 a.m., destroyed the premises of Messrs Patterson (photographer), Carney (fruit and kjlho shop), Gardner (billiard saloon), T'hwaites (chemist;, Slattery (hairdresser), Cockiield's (fruiterer), Fisher and Co. (butchers), Kieley (Crown Supper Rooms) and Meyenborgh'a cycle depot. It is supposed .that the fire commenced in Kicley's. Some goods were saved, but most- of the stocks were completely destroyed.

In addition to the above, jjaruett's building was badly burned. 'J he stock was removed, but it is practically valueless. A lot of floods were removed from Fanthorpe's, and lie suffers a heavy loss by the removal. The lire brigade worked splendidly, and only its supreme efforts saved Simmomls' private hotel. A light wind and showers prevented a heavier loss. The fire commenced in Gardener's billiard saloon and spread to Coekfield's promises on the north side, taking Carney's, Thwaites' and Pattersou's shops, and seriously threatened (Simmonds' hotel, -which was only saved by the strenuous efforts of the ere brigade. The block destroyed was mainly composed of old buildings. Had there been any wind the whole side of the street must have gone. The insurances, so far as ascertained, are as follows—Simmonds. Patterson, Thwaites and Carney. £2OO (less £400); Coeklield and S'attery, no insurance; Carney £75 over stock; Simmonds on hotel £(>UO (d-.'.mage. Co 1 !), Meyenherg £SOO in the Stale Office (loss £7O). Keilev £IOO hi The \e,v Zealand (loss £4O). Gardener's saloon £750 in the Victoria £295, in the Sun and £2OO over tables owned by Barton and MeGill (less estimated an £250). Mr Barnct sustained a serious loss but his insurances is not available. Mr Fanthorpe sustained ksses hy )'pmoval of stock and damage to premises. . Lack of water and fire .fighting appliances were responsible for the heavy losses. It is estimated that total loss is about £3OOO.