FIRE AT MILTON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15972, 14 November 1919, Page 3

FIRE AT MILTON.

CENTBAL BUSINESS BLOCK DESTROYED. (Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, November 13. The most destructive fire in sixtyyears’ history occurred this morning at Milton, resulting in the destruction of practically the whole of the central business block in the borough, only Stewart’s Manchester House escaping. The alarm was given at 10.20, when the fire had a good hqld in the interior of a painter’s shop and dwelling combined, owned and occupied by David Taylor. The fire evidently started in the diningroom, but the cause is unknown. Once the fire got to the paints and varnishes the inadequacy of the means at the disposal of the Fire Brigade, in the absence of a water supply, was quickly apparent. The following premises were destroyed:—Bringan’s two-storey shop and dwelling; Stephens’ Excelsior Tea Booms and residence; Haig’s stationary and fancy goods shop and residence; Taylor’s painter’s shop and dwelling; Brown’s jewellery shop. Bingan’s insurances are unknown, but the furniture was uninsured. Stephens’ stock was in-' sured for £27 S in the Phoenix Office. Haig’s insurances are unknown, but he is a heavy loser, as nothing was saved. Brown’s stock was insured for .£4OO in the Alliance Office. Coombe Bros, had a policy of .£4OO in the I’hoc-.nis Office over the shops occupied by Haig and Brown. Good work was accomplished by onlookers in removing goods and furniture.