BIG FIRE AT AUCKLAND

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 46, 17 November 1917, Page 8

BIG FIRE AT AUCKLAND

NATHAN'S WAREHOUSE

DAMAGED

HEAVY INSURANCE LOSSES

By Teleeraph-Pms Association. Auckland, November 16. A fire broke out on the top floor of Messrs. L. D. Nathan «ncl Co.'s seven-, story warehouse and store in High Street at about 1 o'clock this morning. When first observed the flames had a strong hold, and tho fire must liavo been in progress for some time. Owing to its situation, practically in tho centre of a, denso block of buildings, the burning structure was very difficult of access. Tho fire brigade attacked it from three 6idcs. Tho preliminary operations occupied nearly half an hour.- In the nfcantimo tho firo blazed fiercely intido the ontiro length of the, top story, and before long had burnt its way through tho roof. Gradually tho firemen began to got their task in hand, and by 2 o'clock tho outbreak was well under control. Half an hour later it was completely extinguished. Tho firo did not find its way down through tho stout wooden floor, and very little damage was done by fire, but tho stock, Valued at many thousands of pounds, suffered extensively from water. The insurances aro: On the "building, ■£22,500; stock, .£55,000; plant, ,£l2-15; a total of ,£7B, all in the United offico. It is impossiblo to make an estimate of the damage, the. whole ot tho stock in the lowor floors being soaked with water. The stock includes a large quantity of perishable goods. The fire originated in tho bottling and packing department, on the top floor. Its origin is a mystery. THE LABOUR DAY BLAZE AT DANNEVIRKE CORONER'S INQUIRY. Dannevirke, November IG. The Coroner's Inquiry into tho Labour Day 'fire at Dannevirke failed to throw any light on its origin, there being, said tho Magistrate (Mr. Poynton) no reason lo suspect that the licensee of Andrews's Hotel, where tho blaze commenced, had anything to do with it, he being a heavy loser by tho fire. The Magistrate discounted the possibility that the outbreak was due to I.W.W. activity or enemy action.