FIRES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1103, 17 April 1911, Page 8

FIRES.

THREE OUTBREAKS AT DUNEDIN. (By Telcgrapli.-PrcEs Association.) Dunedin, April 16. The residence of Mr. Joseph Braithwaite, a well-known Ijookseller, was badly damaged by fire last night. The outbreak was discovered about 9.30, and the fire did not then have a strong hold, but unfortunately tho water supply was inadequate, and the brigade could do little. The whole of the top story was gutted. The back portion of the house and outbuildings were completely destroyed, and the front portion on the ground lloor was slightly damaged by fire and water. A good deal of the furniture was saved from the front rooms, but was badly damaged in course of removal. The house had been unoccupied during the day, and there were no fires or. lights in it. It is surmised that same smouldering embers in an ash tin in an outhouso near tireresidence caused the outbreak. The house, which is situated at the top of York Place, one of the highest levels in the city, contained 16 rooms, and was built about 20 years ago. It is understood that the house was insured in the Alliance office .for about ,£I2OO. A four-roomed house in Moreau Street, St. Kilda, was gutted by firo about 8 o'clock last night. Tho building had just been purchased by Mr. Wm. Alexander Moore, who intended removing into it in a few day?. Mr.. Moore, and some paperhangers were working in the house cliirinsr tho day, and left at 5 p.m., everything being apparently safe. The fire originated iu a back room, but the cause is unknown. The house was insured in the Victoria office for £M. ' A shop and dwelling owned by Mr. W. M. Roberts, and occupied by Mr. Thomas Bell,, pastrycook, situated in Main Road, North-East Valley, was destroyed by fire at about 10.30 last night. Mr. Bell, who locked the shon at 9.50, cannot account for tho origin of the fire. Ho values the stock, plant, and furnishings at .£l4O. and h"s a policy of. .£SO in the New Zealand office, and one of .£25 in tho Phoenix office on them,

GARAGE DESTROYED. Stratford, April 16. A detached wooden buildius m'Juliet Street, just fitted up for a motor garage, was totally destroyed by fire early this morning, together with the. contents. The building was owned by Mr. J. D. Morison, and was formerly used as a.' hay market. It was insured for .£3OO in the South British office. Mr. Sparrow, the garage proprietor, loses about ,£IOO, not covorcd by insurance. Rome'goods storedin the back portion of the premises, and valued at about Xl5O, were destroyed. The origin of the fire is unknown/ .To-day a small two-story unoccupied building.on a section next the garage was found to be damaged by fire, a partition and soino wallpaper having been alight and burned out. In this instance incendiarism is suspected.

INSURANCES ON 810 FIRES. Dunsdln, April 13. In connection with the fire at the premises of Joyce Brothers, the damage to the stock and plant was considerable. The insurances total £oDO in tho Queensland office, mostly reinsured in local oiKces.' The insurances on the paper mills which wore destroyed by, fire were :— National, £3200; London and Lancashire, £2500; Alliance, £1600; Royal Exchange, £1000; Liverpool, London, and Globe, £950; New Zealand, £800; Victoria, £700: South British, £600; United, £300; Standard, £250.