SERIOUS FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1928, Page 5

SERIOUS FIRE

CONSIDER A RLE DAM.AG E. (By Telegraph—Press Association) . OAMARIT, October 11. The biggest fire for nearly ten years occurred at 3.40 this morning at Waitaki, buildings of two storey, Thames Street, owned by AY. Aickenshead (draper). The damage is estimated about £B,OOO. Aickenhead’s shop was gutted and the stock is a total loss. FT. Grenfell’s mercery stock was badlv damaged by water. J. Martyn’s cycle and sporting stock was damaged by water. L. Frame, hairdresser’s stock and fittings were destroyed. . Misses Cartwright had three pianos, furniture, and music, destroyed. The stock, furniture, and fittings of J. Gunning (tailor), Mrs Gibson (dressmaker), W. Brown (commission agent) are a total loss.

The fire is believed to have started at the rear of the building. A heavy wind made a hard fight for the brigade. Aickenhead’s shop and upstairs portion were gutted. Insurances on Aickenhead’s £4,000 on building in the National Office, £3,200 on stock in New Zealand and Standard. They will be heavy losers. Grenfell £1,500 on stock in Sun, New Zealand and South British. Martyn £575 on stock and plant. Cartwright £245 on furniture in South British. j Frame £l5O in Highway. Brown, Gibson and Gunning’s fittings were insured for about £150.'