FIRES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 2 May 1927, Page 7

FIRES.

FOUR SHOPS DESTROYED. By Cable—-Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable. Association. (Received May 1, 5.5 p.m.) BRISBANE. April 30. A fire at Blackball, destroyed four shops. The damage is estimated at £IO,OOO. VALUABLE LAUNCH DESTROYED. By Telegraph—Press Association, AUCKLAND, May 1. ibfi'he motor lam ch- Ed mi White, one of the best-known of the harbour lure passenger craft, valucxl at seveini thousand pounds, was totally destroyed bv fire when berthed at Kohiniaiimia. Wharf, at 8.30 on Saturday night. The owner, Mr George White, had just stepped on to the wharf, alter disembarkation of a party from the city, when he saw the launch was on lire amidships. He jumped back into the cockpit, but, on opening the cabin door, found the interior a roaring furnace, and had to return to the wharf before the benzine tanks exploded. 'The boat burned fierce’y, becoming a total loss. It is understood that the launch was insured for £IBOO. POST OFFICE DESTROYED. By T<»!«graph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 1. The post office and store at Pahautanm were burnt on Friday, at 7 p.m. The building was demolished m hO minutes, and nothing was saved. Money and postal orders were locked in the safe, but the mails were burnt. 'The cause of the fire was a defective chimney. The insurances were under £IOOO all told. The owner of the store and postmaster, Mr S. Gough, had only been there four months, and is a considerab’c loser.