Fire at Palmerston.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 82, 4 October 1897, Page 2

Fire at Palmerston.

A destructive fire occurred in Palmerston at 7.40 yesterday morning hy which several bu'ldings wero destroyed. Tho fire started in Chitkam's building, fronting Rangitikei line, aud fanned by a strong wind rapidly spread to Dawick's boardinghousc, a two-gtoried building from which a number of boarders eacaped with difficulty. The fire spread from Dawick's to a building occupied by Messrs Holben and Kirk, tinsmiths, plumbers and machinists ; also to a private residence at tho rear of the shop occupied by Mr Holben, both of which were destroyed. Mr Hoiben's furniture was removed to the street where it was damaged by rain. The Phoenix Hotel wan in groat danger, but the wind changed aud, aided by the splended exertions of the Fire Bridagc, who were promptly on tho scene, tho building was saved

Insurances: — Chithain's place, X3OO National office Dawick's— Building in the Commercial Union £700, London & Lancashire office Jt'4OO ; furniture, .£IOO Commercial Union, 4:200 Alliance ; loss over Insurance at /east £1000. Holben and Kirk's— Stock and tools, ±100 Palatino; Holben's bouse, i.IOO Palatine ; estimated loss on Btock aud tools, £500.

The origin of the fire is unknown. Very little was saved from Dawick's boardingbouse but tho greater part of Holdeu and Kirk's stock was saved.

Allman's blacksmith's shop, separated from Chithain's by a right-of way was considerably charred.