FIRES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18408, 15 June 1925, Page 10

FIRES.

BLAZE AT AKAROA. Grand View, a twelve-roomed private boardinghouse, situated on Beach road, Akaroa, was totally destroyed by fire between 3 and 4 a.m. yesterday. The building was owned and occupied by Mv John Wright, who, with his wife and younger daughter, were the only persons on the premises. A cold southerly wind blew throughout the night, and it is believed that embers from tho fireplace in the sitting-room were blown out and ignited the furniture. When tho family was aroused by the smell of smoke, it was found that the sitting-room was ablaze. The occupants had time only to snatch a few articles of clothing and valuables before the whole building was in flames. Tho local fire brigade was soon on the spot, and did excellent work in saving the adjoining premises, a dwelling occupied by Mr N. Mitchell. Fortunately for the safety of that house, the wind carried the flames out on the street. The force of the wind was so great that pieces of charred wood were carried into the northern. portion of the town. The house was insured.for £BOO and the furniture for £SOO in the South British Office. Mr Wright estimates his loss, at over £IOOO in excess of the amount of the insurances. TIMARU OUTBREAK. (special to "the press.") TIMARU, Juno 14. At 2.30 this morning the premisss known as the Grand Lounge, Stafford street, near Cannon street, Timaru, were practically destroyed by fire, tho origin of which is at present unknown. The fire is believed to have started in tho rear of the shop, but by the time it was discovered it had eaten its way through to the front, the interior of which was practically gutted. The' Brigade had the outbreak under control in about an hour, and prevented the flames j spreading to the adjoining buildings. ' The Lounge itself, however, was practically destroyed, and it is not expected that the loss will be covered by the insurance, which was £IOOO in the Guardian office".