DISASTROUS FIRES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 3 January 1928, Page 5

DISASTROUS FIRES.

A HECTIC AFTERNOON. FOR NELSONTANS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NELSON, This Day. Yesterday afternoon tAvo disastrous fires occurred in Nelson resulting in heavy losses. At about 1.45 o’clock an outbreak Avas discovered in Bridge Street, and three premises, A. E. Davies’ sendee station, a bulk' store belonging to Cock and Co., and H. Johnston’s carpenter’s shop, were totally destroyed. Most of the contents in the latter place Avere saved. A fairly strong northerly breeze was blowing at the time and burning debris must have been carried to a stack of dry timber at the rear of Page and Sons’ furniture factory in the opposite block in Hardy Street Avhich was found to be on fire two hours later. The flames spread with alarming rapidity and the factory and part of the shoproom Avas totally destroyed, together Avith A'aluablo machinery and much stock. The premises of A. G. Betts aud Son, printers, had a very narrow escape, but the damage Avas mostly confined to stock by Avater. Many brigadesmen were out of toAvn OAving to the holidays, but the brigade did splendid work. Page’s are heavy losers. Bett’s is covered by insurance and Johnston had a policy of £4OO. The other insurances have not yet been ascertained. ,Se\*eral other incipient fires started, due to the flying debris, and altogether it Avas rather a hectic afternoon for Nelsonians.