Disastrous Outbreak at Blenheim.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6033, 15 September 1887, Page 3

Disastrous Outbreak at Blenheim.

[Peb Pbess Association.]

BLENHEIM, Sept. 15. Shortly after one o'clock this morning a fire broke out in High street, completely destroying a wine and spirit store occupied by Mr Ralph Andrews, and the large new warehouse and stables of Messrs Holmes and Bell. It is impossible to say where the fire originated, as it had, when first noticed, a good hold of both premises. The fire spread so rapidly over Messrs Holmes and Bell's, that the efforts of the firemen, who had the steam fire-engine at work, were powerless to check it. The brick building of Messrs Rogers and Barleyman on the west side stopped the _ progress of flames in that direction, while the Brigade prevented the fire spreading on the caat side to the Marlboiough Hotel, which was much scorched, as were also one or tfl*o buildings on tho north side of High streot. Mr

Litchfield's sample-rooms in. Wynen street were in great danger, and were saved with difficulty. Had the fire obtained a hold here the whole of this splendid block of buildings, including the Bank of New Zealand and the Masonic Hotel, would very likely have gone. Very little of Messrs Holmes and Bell's large stock was saved, while Mr Andrews lost everything. Fortunately there was no wind. Mr Andrews was at his store till 11.30 last night, and detected no signs of fire then. Mr H. M. Lyon, Secretary of the Underwriters' Association, is at present in Blenheim. The insurances are : — Mr Andrews — Building : National, •£SO; Union, £150. Stock : National, £100. Holmes and Bell — Store : Union, £250 ; South British, .£500; United, .£250 ; Colonial, £400. Stook: Union, £500; Standard, .£500; Norwich Union, £250; P__nix, .£1200; Colonial, £7o0 ; Equitable, £500; New Zealand, £750; Victoria, £1000 ; Liverpool, £500 ; Northern, £500. The total net loss on Holmes and Bell's stock is £0'4r50. The firm are unable to state what is their loss over and above insurances, but think £2000 to £3000, aa they had a very large Btock, and recent shipments of teas, woolpacks, &c. Some of the goods in bond were saved, but they cannot ascertain the value. However, a great deal was much damaged. Mr H. M. Lyon, Secretary to the Underwriters' Association, happened to be here on a visit, on his way from Nelson to Wellington.

AUCKLAND, Sara. 15.

Tho South British Insurance Company state that their lo3s by the Feilding fire is only £<125.