BLAZE IN OASHEL STREET.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14843, 8 December 1913, Page 4

BLAZE IN OASHEL STREET.

MILLINERY WORKROOM GUTTED. Shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday columns of dense black smoke, issuing from a portion of Messrs "Whitcombe and Tombs's building in Cashel street, indicated the existence of an outbreak of fire, and the brigade, in response to the alarm, arrived with promptitude on the scene. Leads of hose -were soon playing on the flames which had broken out in the workroom at the rear of the shop occupied by Madame Poppy, milliner. The shop is at the extreme eastern end of the building, and the workroom at the rear is on the. ground floor, the building being only one storey whilst the front is two storeys. When the brigade arrived the interior of the workroom was a mass of flames, but with a plentiful supply of water the fire was got under, and prevented from spreading beyond the workroom. This portion of the building was completely gcsted, an<l its contents were destroyed. The effect of the great heat caused by , the fire in the workroom was very noticeable in the shop, where furs that were on view showed signs of having been on the point of taking fire. Much crumpled paper which had been spread over the "latest creations" was completely burned. The contents of the shop were damaged by the heat, and some water found its way into the shop. The "fire did not SDread to any other portion of the block. It is not known how tho fire started. The showroom and workroom staffs left the premises at 1 p.m. for the half-holi-day. and all appeared safe. Madame Poppy's stock, which was valued at £2200, was insured for £1000 in the South British office, and for £500 in tho Royal office. The building belongs to Messrs Whitcombe and Torabs, but the insurances are not available. At midnight on Saturday the brigade turned out for an alarm in respect to an outbreak in a five-roomed cottage, No. 22. Springfield road. The skirting ■under the kitchen window was scorched, but no material damage was done. (press association tklegram.) INVERCARGILL. December 7. # A fire occurred late last night in Donaldson and Walker's iron foundry, Clyde street. It originated in the office and spread to the pattern store in the •upper part of the building. The estimate of the damage and the insurances are not available.