FIRE IN THE AVENUE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12120, 16 April 1895, Page 3

FIRE IN THE AVENUE.

THREE SHOPS DESTROYED. At about 3 o'clock on Sunday morning the bells rang out an alarm of fire in No. 2 Ward, the outbreak being in those premises opposite the Catholic Church owned by Mrs M. Bates and occupied by W. H. McKay, restaurant keeper ; A. Oliver and Son, tailos; and Ching Chow, greengrocer. The Brigade, under Captain Ferry and Lieutenant Powell, were quickly at work, but the strong hold obtained by the flames, fanned as they were by the heavy wind that was blowing, baffled all attempts to save the burning building and compelled strenuous efforts to be made in order to save the adjoining premises. The efforts of the Brigade in the latter direction were thoroughly successful, and the fire was prevented from spreading. The building in which it had originated, however, was completely gutted. Mrs Bates, who estimates the value of the properly at £1300, was insured for £700, divided as follows-£250 in the New Zealand, £250 in the North German and £200 in the Norwich Union. Messrs Oliver and Son's stock, which was more damaged by smoke and water than fire, was insured for £100 in the Sun office. The firm estimate the value of the stock at £200. Mr McKay's furniture and effects were insured for £300 in the Alliance office and the billiard table was separately covered for £100. Mr McKay estimates his loss at £100 over and above insurance. Mr Ching Chow's stock was valued at £300, and was insured for £175 in the Phoenix ofiice. The fire is supposed to have originated in or near the kitchen in McKay's place.