FURTHER PARTICULARS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1597, 30 June 1887, Page 3

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

The fire which originated m the Criterion Hotel was first discovered by Matter George Garter, who was an invalid and sleeping at the west end of the building, m the room he occupied, immediately over the dining-rooms, Handgrenades and inoh water ai was available were thrown on the flames, bnt without ■tall. The Fire Brigade was prompt' y on the spot, and steam beiog got up m the engine m tea minutes, a powerful stream of water was played on the burnlog pile, bat the fire had obtained too great a hold and fanned by a light norweiter, rapidly spread, with the result already telegraphed. The scene baffled dettrlptlon and the fire seemed beyond human effort. The palling down of S. J. Maoalister's (ffioe saved the . National Bank and prevented the fire from spreading up High at. The Brigade Station was twice on fire, but the engineer and assistants bravely atuok to the stead fire •ngine, which was stationed Inside tha iked. Great credit is due to the Brigade for the plucky way m which th*y stuck to their duty agaiott heavy odds, atd m the intense heat The insurances so far aj at present can be gathered, are as follows ;— South British £1350 ; Standard, £3,305 ; Liverpool, London and Globe, £2950 ; Royal, £1000 ; Norwioh Union, £1800 ; Victoria, £875 ; National. £900 ; Northern, £800 ; New Zealand, £4 2CO ; Equitable, £1360; Colonial, £1350; Phoenix, £5425 The Union risks, are not yet obtainable. .