FIRES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12240, 14 June 1909, Page 5

FIRES.

AT SUMNER

(Per Press Association^)

CHRISTCHURCH, June 13. ■ Between three and Tour o'clock" thig niorning the Cafe Continental, a largo brick three-storeyed private hotel on the boach at Sumner, was destroyed by, a fire, which started in the top storey, which was practically unoccupied. The wlioio interior of the huilding was burned out and the ste^l girders buckled as a result of the intense heat. The occupants managed to escape, many only lightly clad, but lost all their belongings. The origin, of the .fire is unknown.

Two houses, one occupied by Henry Cotterill and the other by; Phillins, had the roof damaged to a considerable extent, from bricks falling from the building and the occupants had narrow escapes -from injury. Tim City Brigade' was telephoned for but did-not turn out, and the local brigade had to do tlio best they could with the appliances at. hand. They had the h:gh pressure water supply to draw oh, but the blazs was too great for them to mako much impression on it. Only three walls of the building are left. The insurances, co far as can be ascertained, are: Building (which is stated to have cost £11,000) was insured in the Victoria'• Company^for £4000 and the contents for £1000 or £1200. hut the offica is unascertainable. Cotterill's hohsa was insured in the Phoenix, but the amount is unascertainable. The cafo was tho property of Ridlpy. fl:The Cafe Continental contained 42 bedrooms. It was built'three years ago at a cost of £8000, and was the, property of a company. There were 15 guests and seven others on the premises. Most of them lost everything, and some narrowly escaped-with their lives. The furniture and plant were insured for £1000 in the Victoria Office. The place .was heated by radiators. There were no fires except in the kitchen and boiler house. It is estimated that the loss is £5000 above the insurances. ;

AT CHRISTCHURCH.

. ' CHRISTCHURCH, June 13. A boarding house 1 in Montreal and ruam Stre2ts in tho City, was practically destroyed by : fire on.* 'SaturdaY night. It was-owned byrThdmas-^ai-Jace jindroccupied by Samuel Smith. The -jui'd ng.was Jneured in the Liverpool, ami London and Globe for £350, and th<> furniture in the Royal for £150. Tho origin, of the fire is unknown.