FIRE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11757, 22 July 1916, Page 9

FIRE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

HEAVY DAMAGE. [Pee Press Association".) NEW PLYMOUTH, July 22. The biggest fire for over thirty years occurred hero early this morning. The Theatre lloyal, Govett and Quilliam's Buildings, the A.M.P. building' (in process of demolition), Walter Bewlev's, Hugh Bailey's, Austin Bewley's and Monteath's offices, and J. B. M'Ewan and Co.'s warehouse were completely destroyed, and Vealo'a grocery was gutted. The buildings on the opposite side, of the street were damaged. The fire had a good hold before it was discovered, and the high wind compelled firemen to give their attention to saving tho buildings across the street. The tram service to tho west end of the town was interrupted. THE INSURANCES.

The list oi' insurances is incomplete, owing to the confusion and loss or | papers. The- Theatre Royal is a total j loss. It was otfned by the Taranaiu I Amusements Company, and was insured for £SOO in the Guardian Office, but £IOOO will not cover the Joss, which includes £4OO for new seats stored in the basement for a new picture theatre, which were uninsured. Moriteith and Austin Bcwloy's offices were owned by Wyborn, and wore' insured for £6OO in the New Zealand Office and £IOO in the Commercial Union. They are a total loss. effects veer -uninsured. Bewley's small loss is covered in the British Dominions. Al'Ewan and Co.'s place is a total loss. Govett and Quilliain's • building is insured in the Royal for £IOO, and rho furniture in the. Royal for £400; it is a total loss. Ne.alo's buildir,;., owned by the Cunningham estate, Js insured for £-100 in the" South British, and the stock for £ooo in the same office. Neale's loss is £IOOO. Cannon's furniture in the same building is insured for £l7o in ilie Royal Kxehango. The Smith British state that the I'Mwnix and Guardian Offices are interested in smaller amounts en partial losses. Across the street-, Rladden,-arid Palmer (surveyors) lost fill their valuable plans and instruments. The Fire Brigade worked splendidly, but valuable time was lost in givin-r j the alarm. The brigade's efforts had | to be directed to saving the buildings j across Devon Street and the V, h'te Hart Hotel and Coffee Pnl?c<\ which • were endangered. Tt was impossible to J cheek the main fire.

T~Nn total losses probably exceed £20.000.