TWO FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1996, 4 February 1907, Page 2

TWO FIRES.

Two fires occurred on Saturday. The brigade were called out a little alter 7 a.m. to suppress an outbreak in the billiard room owned by Mrs. Morrison and occupied by Mr. AV. Rowell. Three billiard tallies had recently been purchased, and they were damaged considerably by water. About £35 had been spent on a new set of cues, linoleum, etc. The floor and walls suffered, and the roof was burnt through in parts. The safety of the shops on either side was due to the fact that the walls were of brick The contents of the shop were damaged by water. It is not certainly known how the fire originated. The insurances were: Stock and two tables, £250; Northern Assurance Company, and one hew table, £100; State Fire; and 'the building for The other fire burned to the ground a residence in Clifford street, owned by Mr. T. Garrett, and occupied by Mr. J. Springgay, engineer on the steamer Tuna. The family went out at half-past seven, leaving a few embers only in the grate. Mr. Cato, the next door neighbor, first made the discovery, and broke the windows to attract attention. He stated that the fire started in a back bedroom, and the light breeze blowing fanned it through the house. The origin of the fire is unknown. A day or two previously a relative had sent seven boxes to the house, and consequently lost all her property. Practically nothing was saved. The glaro was visible for a great distance and attracted a large crowd to the scene. Some willing workers (lid splendid service. Tlio brigade found it impossible to save the house and they confined their attention to the neighboring houses. 'i lie aril of Mr. Cato’s residence was scorched, hut was otherwise little damaged. The insurances were: £l9O on the building and outhouse, New Zealand, and £l5O on the furniture, in the Norwich Union Office. Mr. Springay estimates his loss at £75 over the insurance.