TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1920, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.)

A DISASTROUS FIRE

CHRISTCHURCH, March 11

-A disastrous fire occurred last night at the comer of Colombo and streets, Sydenham, resulting in the complete destruction of the furniture factory owned by Mr A. Peppier.

I As the Sydenham station is almost 1 opposite the scene of the fire, the foreman and an assistant fireman were : quickly at work checking the fire, which | already was burning with great fierceness. They were almost successful in ! getting the flames, which up to this time were practically confined to the ; lower storey, under control, when, unfortunately the strong nor’-easter that | was blowing caused the upper storey to catch alight, and in a few moments the whole of the building, constructed of wood and iron, and filled with heavy stocks of dry, seasoned timber, was ablaze from end to end. To save any part of tlie building was now impossible, and after a little over half an hour’s burning the whole place collapsed, fortunately, without injury to guyone.

The whole of the plant, including over forty machines was totally destroyed, • nothing in the building being salvaged.

COAL PRICE INCREASED. WELLINGTON. This Day. Westport Coal Coy. and Westport Stockton Coy have increased the price of coal by 2s 6d per ton, for all grades. Reports received locally indicate that te output from West Coast mines from next week onwards will be normal.