BIG FIRE AT ELTHAM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2127, 9 July 1907, Page 2

BIG FIRE AT ELTHAM.

Press Association. ELTHAM, yesterday. A fire broke out at 6 o’clock yesterday morning in a shop occupied by Mrs Adams, fruiterer, High street. The flames were not discovered till they burst through the windows. A northerly gale was raging, and the wooden structures adjacent quickly caught fire. The brigade were almost helpless, owing to'the terrific heat, and it seemed that the fire could not bo stopped before it consumed the .Athenaeum. There was also danger of Davidson’s drapery at the corner of Bridge and High streets, and Potts’ hotel, on the opposite corner, going. Bain minimised the risk of flying sparks. A lull enabled the brigade to get a. hose behind Dixon’s olacksmithing shop, and to partly demolish the building. The water was played on the advancing flames, and they were stopped at Walker’s, saddler. The following premises were destroyed: Mrs D. Adams, fruiterer; Mrs Hennessy, lolly shop; Misses Covens and Cave, dressmakers; CreSswell, general store; Parker, dentist; Miss Kobb, draper; Mrs Lewis, fruiterer; H. G. Payne, jeweller; Walker, saddler; and Dixon, blacksmith (partially). The total loss is estimated at £6OOO. Of this £3OOO was insured, £775 being in the Koval. The origin of the fire is unknown. The nightwatchman inspected the building a quarter of an hour before the outbreak. The telegraph wires went down. Communication was restored at 9 a.m .to-day. The insurances are: W. Hennessv, £l5O in the Commercial Union or the stock; G. P. Wake, £7OO on the buildings in the Alliance; L. T. Cresswell, £4OO in the Northern, and £250 in the Liverpool and Globe on the. stock; W. Grogan, £l2O on the furniture in the Royal; Misses Robb, £3OO in the Royal on the stock; Mrs Lewis, £l5O in the Royal on the stock; H. Stunners, £2OO in the Phoenix on the buildings (his other insurances are unknown); H. G. Payne, £IOO on the stock in the Alliance. £75 on the furniture in the New Zealand; Miss Dales (owner), unknown; J. Walker, £l5O on the stock in the Northern; J. Dixon, £IOO on the stock oiul £IOO on the buildings in the Roval.