FIRE AT THE HINDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1511, 19 March 1887, Page 2

FIRE AT THE HINDS

THE HOTEL DESTROYED. Early yesterday afternoon Sergeant Felfoo received a telegram from the Hinds stating that the hotel there was on fire and burning furiously, and a few minutes later he received another message containing the information that the building had been totally destroyed* Mr E. Oliver is the lioensee. It appears that the fire originated about 11.45 a.m., and spreading rapidly it was soon apparent that tho hotel was doomed to destruction. Volumes of smoke and flame burst forth limultaneously, and all efforts to save furniture were frustrated. In an hour the whole building was reduoed to aahee., Mr Oliver, who was away with stook at the time of the outbreak, and only arrived when the plaoe was half consumed, lost £8 m cash, wbieh he had m his room, and he Btatea that he is a loser m other respects. With reference to the origin of the fire, it is surmised that the furnace with which the housekeeper was washing olothes, and whioh is situated outside, emitted some sparks, and these being blown m through a broken window oaused the conflagration. Tho building was insured itt the Colonial Office for £1100. There is an insuranoeon the furniture, it is stated, for £300, but m what office we have been unable to ascertain,