FIRE AT ASHBURTON

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2260, 21 September 1914, Page 3

FIRE AT ASHBURTON

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Ashburton, September 20. A fire was: discovered in the one-story block of brick buildings next the Bank' of New Zealand in-East Street at 2.45 this morning. •-, The outbreak, the cajise of which' is a mystery, appeared toihave started in the back of the block, which is' owned by the estate of the late George Coleman. The central shop occupied by M.' J. Burgess, bookseller and ■stationery aiid fancy goods dealer, Was completely gutted, aijd practically tho whole stock was entirely destroyed. A lot of damage was also done to T. Crook's fruit and confectionery shop, and nearly air his stock was' destroyed by fire, smoke, and water. The front of the shop next tho bank, occupied by Robilliard and Sons,' watchmakers and jewellers, was also burnt, and considerable damage was done to the stock. This, however, was fully covered by an insurance of £1000 in the Yorkshire Office. Mr. Burgess's stock was insured in .the Alliance" for a small amount only, and he will be a heavy loser, quite apart from the fact that the stock will bo bard to replace and that he will have to buy in a rising market. Mr. Crooks had a policy of £130 in the Norwich Union. There was a policy of £250 on each shop-.in" the Phoenix Office. ,