Fire.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 405, 11 February 1904, Page 5

Fire.

Abeut 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon a fire broke out in Alexandra, resnlting in the destruction of the building occupied by Mr'L Ryan, mining agent, and Mr J Richardson, hairdresser. The fire originated In Mr Richardson's premises, and spread with incredible swiftnessright through the bmlding,.so swiftly indeed that It was impossible to safe, anything from the doomed building, Brigade, under Oapt O'Eane and Uefct Marslin, arrived on the scene with connoendable promptitude, and in a fewiminutesMad the fire mastered, and prevented it ffeni spreading to the adjoining buildings, prompt work of the Brigade undoubMHlysaved the whole block of buildings, BJfoluding W Wittich's, HaaAtoi office, NatietiSl Bank, Wee Kee's, and W Poulson's, anoSas a stiff bieeze was blowing at the time, wjje fire would, in the absence of fire extinguishing appliances, probably, have spread-right up to the postoffice. ■" ■;"•' . •■'.,'•

_ Thebuilding was completely gutted, Mr Richardson's stock (uninsured) was totally destroyed, and he estimates his loss afover £IOO. Mr Ryan is also a heavy loser, the office furniture and many valuable papers being destroyed. The building, owned by Mr Ryan, was partly covered by insurance in the Standard office. It is supposed the fire was caused by the bursting of an Aurora lamp.