BIG BLAZE AT OTAKI

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2209, 23 July 1914, Page 8

BIG BLAZE AT OTAKI

BLOCK OF BUILDINGS DESTROYED .' tProm Our Special 'Correspondent.) ] Otaki, July' 22. -.' A Hook of buildings leased by Mr. J.. G. Stevens, situate near tho. Tailway station, and occupied by the lessee, Mr. F. Barrett, bootmaker; Mrs. 'Devonshire) draper: D. S. M'Kenzie, dentist; and Mrs. Oldham, fruiterer, was completely destroyed last night,' tho outbreak occurring at about 10.30. The fire originated m the boot shop occupied by Mr.~Fred Barrett, and before it was noticed had-a strong hold. Attention was turned to tho business places adjoining, but only a little of tho stock was saved. Mrs. Devonshire lost most of her stook, inoluding drapery, etc., while Mrs. Oldham lost practically the whole of her confectionery, etc. Mr. 'Stevens managed to save his books, but Mr. Mackenzie lost what he had in Lis building. • ' ■ . .Mr. Barrett, who saved nothing, estimates his loss 'at about £300, his stock only being insured for £175; Mrs. Devonshire loses about £200 above the insurance (£350), while-Mrs. Oldham loses £50 above her insurance- (£SO). The extent of Mr. MackeuzieV loss is not known, as he lives in Levin. He was not insured. Messrs. Barton and Co.'s office, opposite, Mr. Cockrell's shop, and Mr. Mitchell's dwelling, were . seriously threatened, but at each place the bucket brigado did good work. There is no water supply, otherwise tho block might have been saved. ■ The building was insured for £700 in the Yorkshire Office.