SERIOUS FIRE IN BLENHEIM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1663, 15 September 1887, Page 3

SERIOUS FIRE IN BLENHEIM.

Blenheim, September 15,

Shortly after one o'clock this morning, » fire broke oat m High street, completely destroying the wine and Bpirit store occupied by Ra'ph Andrews, and the large new warehouse and stableß of Holmes and Bell. It Is Impoaaible to cay where the fire originated, as it bad, when first noticed, a good hold of both premises. The fire spread so rapidly over Holtnea and Bell's that the efforts of the brigade, who had a steam fire engine at work, were powerless to check it. The brick build I cp, Stagers and Barley mans, on the west fide | ■topped the progreßß of the flames m that direotion. The brigade prevented the fire from spreading on the east Bide to the Majtlborongh Hotel, which was moch ■oorohed, as were also one or two buildings on the north side of High street. Lltchfield's sample rooms m Wynen street were In great danger and were saved with great difficulty. Had the fire obtained • hold here the whole of this splendid blook of buildings, including the bank of Now Zealand and Masonic Hotel, would have stood a poor show. Very little of Holmes and Bell's large Btock was saved. Andrews lost everything. Fortunately there was no wind. Andrews waa at his store till 11.80 last night, and detected no signs of fire then. Insurances are: — Andre*Sj building, National, £500; Union, £150: stook, National £100. Holmes and B*ll, store, Union, £250; South British. £600 ; United £250 ; Colonial £400 ; stook, Union, £500 ; Standard £500 ; Norwich Union £250 ; Phoenix £1200 ; Colonial £750 • Equitable, £500 ; New Zealand £750; Victoria £1009; Liverpool £500* Total* net loss to flolmtitad fall's itook £6459.