FIRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5904, 23 June 1897, Page 2

FIRES.

[Per Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, June 22,

The insurances on Mr Hannah's house, destroyed by fire at Khandallah last night, were .£BOO, and on the outbuildings .£IOO, both in the Liverpool London and Globe Office. Mr Gavin's furniture was insured for ,£7OO in the New Zealand Office.

About half-past seven last evening a shop and dwelling-house in Tuain Street west, occupied by Mr J. Bigwood, plumber and gasfitter, were destroyed by fire. There was no one hi the place at the time, and the fire was discovered by the inmates of the White Swan Hotel, next door. The brigade turned out very smartly, and the chemical engines were at work within four minutes of tho alarm, while the two city steam engines and the railway engine followed a few minutes later. The tire had, however, obtained a good hold, and although it was soon mastered when once the brigade got to work, the building and almost all its contents were destroyed. The building was owned by a Building Society, which held a policy for .£2OO, while Mr Bigwood had his stock insured for ,£IOO. Members of the Lyttolton, Sumnor and Rangiora Brigades were present, and assisted their city comrades, who were loudly cheered by the crowd when tho flames were extinguished.

At 1.40 this morning an alarm was given from the box in Tuaui Street close to the scene of the firo which occurred earlier in the evening, and the brigade turned out with all its plant, only to find that the alarm was a false one.