Disastrous Fires at Auckland.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 150, 21 December 1894, Page 2

Disastrous Fires at Auckland.

♦ CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. [PEB FBESS ASSOCIATION. 1 Auckland, December 20. To-night a fire broke out at tho Auxiliary Asylum, at Avondale, a wooden building half a mile distant from the main asylum. The patients, convalescents, numbering about 120, were got out safely. This Day. The fire at tho Avoudale Asylum resulted in tho complete destruction of the auxiliary buildings. The damage is estimated at from LBOO to LI OOO. Dr Beattie, assistant medical officer, received somewhat serious iujuries in the way of burns. By a fire in Pitt streot, Lester's fruit shop and Moore's (batters) were burned to the ground. Lester was insured for 4M50 ami Mooio for 4,'u00 in the Commercial Union office. Brodie's Family Hotel and tho Forester's Hall, adjoining, were considerably damaged. The former was insured for L 12.000 in tbe Norwich Union, aud tho lattor for LISOO in the National. Later. At 2.20 a.m. a fire again broke out in tho Family Hotel, the Brigade having gone to the asylum, as they thought the tiro bad been suppressed. Tho hotel was completely gutted. Tho Asylum tiro was discovered in the bath room, shortly after tbe separation of those who bad been taking part in a dance. Tho warders did what they could to save the flames from extending, while tbe female attendants, after the removal of pationts, busied themselves in saying furniture. The services of the Fire Brigade were not available, being ongagod at a fire in town,. It is a mercy no lives "\yoi;p lost.