DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3804, 24 September 1883, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.

Auckland, This day. The Presbyterian manse at Te Awamutu was burnt down on Friday night. It is supposed that the cause Avas a defective chimney. The furniture Avas saved. The building Avas insured in the South British office for £200, but the loss is £350. A destructive fire broke out last night in Mr Allen's drapery store, Victoria-street, which destroyed also the premises of Mr Williams (tailor), and partially damaged Mr Atkinson's (jeweller), and Mr Cahill's (draper). Mr Allen's stock and furniture were insured for £550 in the Colonial office, £250 being reinsured in the Phcenix office. Mr Williams' buildings and stock were insured for £1500 in the Norwich Union office, two -thirds being reinsured. MiAtkinson Avas insured for £250 in the New Zealand office, and Mr Cahill for £200 on his furniture in tho Colonial office and for £400 on his stock in tho North British office. Goods were largely saved, except Mr Allen's •stock. Mr Atkinson's and Mr Cahill's shops belonged to Mr J. Z. James, contractor. The insurance upon them is unknown, as ho is residing in the country. The fire Avas accidental. A candle on the counter of Mr Allen's shop fired some muslin curtains in the shop while Mr Allan was turning off the gas at the meter. AVellington, This day. A boarding-house at Taura Flat, the property of MrF. Gricr, and'occupicd by Mr F. Mullens, Avas destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The building Avas insured for £200 and the furniture for £250, both in the London Liverpool and Globe office. Incendiarism, is suspected. The inmates, numbering fourteen, principally navvies, on being aroused, found the doors carefully fastened and they could only be opened by violent means. They therefore escaped by means of the chimney. Nothing Avas saved. The detectives are engaged enquiring into I the matter.