EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 2, 4 January 1932, Page 8

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

EARLY MORNING FIRE

CITY SHOP SUFFERS

A fire which broke out early yesterday morning on the top floor of a twostory wooden building at SO, Willis street, nest to "The Evening Post," caused considerable damage before it was got under control by tho Fire Brigade.

The outbreak originated in rooms occupied by Mr. N. C. Avery, tailor, in tho front part of the building, and had a good hold when tho brigade arrived in vesponse to a call given at 1.49 a.m. The high northerly wind added to the difficulties of the brigadesmen, but within half an hour they were in charge of the situation.

Mr. Avery's two rooms -were very severely damaged by lire,'and his stock and fittings, insured in the Phoenix Office for £150, were destroyed. Slight damage was done by smoke to the premises used as the Royal Studio in tho back part of the top floor, and showcases at the entrance to the building were reached by the fire. The principal damage was by water and smoke to the Now Zealand Book Depot's premises on the ground floor. The company was carrying an extensive stock of books and stationery, and the general manager (Mr. H. C. South) estimates that the damage amounts to between £2000 and £3000 worth. At least half of the stock has been spoiled. But for the fact that a skylight allowed the water to run down from the top floor, the damage would probably have been faidy slight. Mr. A. It. Wallace, of Boundary ro;id, Kolburn, is th-5 owner of the building, which is insured for £2000 in the Boyal Exchange Office.

The stock and fittings of the Royal Studio are insured in the Atlas Office for £1200.

Lloyd's hold the insurances, amounting to £5500, on the New Zealand Book Depot's stock and fittings. One of the firemen, J. De Winter, received burns on the face and was taken to the Hospital by the City Ambulance. After treatment, he was removed to his home, and to-day ho was back on duty.

Two fire engines turned out shortly before noon to-day to what was reported to be a house fire on Flagstaff Hill, off Upper Willis street. The outbreak was among grass and shrubs, and was suppressed without difficulty. But for the prompt arrival of the engines several houses in the vicinity might have caught fire, and owing "to their position it would have been a difficult matter to save them.

An unoccupied six-roomed dwelling house at 110, Freyberg street, Lyali Bay, was damaged by fire shortly after 7 o'clock yesterday morning. The sit-ting-room and contents -were damaged by fire and water, and the remainder of the house was slightly damaged by smoke. The usual occupier of the rouse, John M. Stobart, -was away from Wellington, at the time of the outbreak,