BIG EIRE IN NELSON.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16230, 28 March 1917, Page 7

BIG EIRE IN NELSON.

FOUII BUSINESS PLAGES ; DESTROYED. DAMAGE MANY THOUSANDS, (Per Press Association.) , ' NELSON, March 27. ■'■ The most disastrous fire that has occurred in Nelson for many years broke out in a block of wooden shops in Trafalgar Street to-night. Tho premises of Lightband and Co., boot and shoe importers; Jackson and Co.. booksellers and stationers, and W. C. Ansell, chemist, were totally destroyed, as also were tho bulk stores of E. Buxton and Co , ironmongers and general merchants. Running behind the premises mentioned was Buxton's main building, a largo brick structure separated from .Jackson's by a narrow right-of-way. This was for a long time in great danger, fire repeatedly breaking into the top floor. The strenuous efforts of the brigade, however, prevented the spread of the flames in this direction, • Buxton and Co's loss, as far. as the main building is concerned, being confined to that" due to heat, smoke, and water. On the north side the fire was cheeked bv a new brick building owned '.iv Brown. Bros occupied by Trathen and Co.. drapers. The damage in these premises is light and wholly caused by heat snd smoke. Salvage from Jackson's,' Lightband's and Buxton's bulk store"! was impossible, but some of ''Ansell'- stock was got out. The damage v/iU run into many thousands, but an estimate is not yet arrived at. Details of the insurances are not available tonight, but those 011 Liglrfroand's stock <ind Jackson and Co's building and stock are all in tbo Alliance, and Buxton's in the New Zealand offices. The brigade ivorkerl splendidly, but was hampered for pome lime in a, critical stn.pce of the fire b;< an iuadeauate. water suuply