FIRES.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16723, 5 January 1920, Page 6

FIRES.

VAST BLAZE IN ARGENTINE. (Br CiM»>—Pre«s Amoclation—CopyTißit.) (Autlralion and N.Z. Cable Association.) January 4th, 5.5 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES, January 1. A fire is raging over thirty nnlcs of territory from the Buenos Aires Provinco to tho Pampa territory. The firo destroyed a largo area of wheat before it could bo controlled. Tho fire is believed to be of incendiary orifrin, arising from tiie reccnt agrarian troubles. BIG BLAZE AT NELSON. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TEI.EOBAM.) NELSON, January 3. A disastrous liro which occurred in a wooden building in Trafalgar street early this morning, resulted in tho destruction of the premises occupied by Sir Malcolm P. "Webster (provision merchant), part of Trathcn and C9*h shop (drapers and milliners), and Shield and Co.'s building (wine and spirit merchants). The Firo Brigado fought with great determination, but the flames having a good hold when the outbreak was discovered, spread rapidly in Iho wooden buildings. Mr Webster is a heavy loner, nono of his stock being saved. A good deal was saved from Shield's premifcs. Trathen's clothing and millinery departments, in brick buildings, were saved, but the main building, together with rcservo stocks, was totally destroyed. Trathen's loss ran into thousands.

TTio origin of tho firo is a myßtory. Tho firo is believed to havo started near "Webster's premises. Insurances are: Trnthen's stock £('?>?/). building £7.10; Webster's stock £700, bti'lding £600; Shield's building £-TjQ Tho stork is owned by TWin awl Co., and the insuranco cannot bo ascertained.

At about 10.30 p.m. yesterday, tho Brirrr.do reroived a call to tbo Blackball Coal Company's yard, in Antipua street, xvhere a heap of coal, overheating, had ECt lieht to n paling feneo. The firo was quickly dealt with, and but small dam ago was done.