DISASTROUS FIRE AT. PALMERSTON.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 124, 11 April 1891, Page 2

DISASTROUS FIRE AT. PALMERSTON.

j^JSi, (KB* . V&T&&& ASSOCIATION.) ir' r ■'■"'■' Palme ksTou N., This Day. The largest and most disastrous fire that has ever occurred in Falmerston took place early this morning. The fire originated in Kegan's twelveroomed boarding house, and spread both sides to J. E. Montague's auction rooms, occupied by owner and Native Land Qourt; J. Sorivall's furniture warehouse, occupied by owner and 32. B. Fearce, commission agent ; and J. H.Hankins'* buildings, occupied by Weight and 00. (grocers), J. B. Clark (draper), J. H Hankins (solicitor), and T. H. James (architect). The occupants of the boarding house barely escaped with their lives by jumping from windows. A rumour was current that two men were burned, but it lacks confirmation. Nothing was saved from this plaoe, but from the other buildings moat of the stock was aaved. The strong room and fire safes in the office of Mr Hankins were untouched, and all the deeds and papers of clients were saved. The Bank of New Zealand was in danger at one time. Insurances, as far as can be ascertained, were :— Montague's premiges—£3so on building; £150 on stock; estimated loss, £500. Sorwall'F— £3oo on building; stock uninsured. Pewce—uninsured j estimated loss, £500. Hankius' buildings— -£450 on building; Hankin,s furniture and books, £200; Weight and Co.'s stock, £150; Clark, uninsured; James, uninsured. Auckland, April 9. T. Ffjf» aHaa Floyd, has been com" mitt«d for trial onth* charge of the tnur derofVeitcb. Wkllikgton, This Day. Mr Allan was disqualified by the judges who heard the Te Aroha petition-,, fortwolve months. It is. aoftßrsiood Col: Fraier will uo* §iand for dfction.