A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT GISBORNE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1672, 7 February 1882, Page 2

A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT GISBORNE.

GISEiORNE, February 6. Last night there was the most destructive fire that ever took place here, destroying property estimated to be over £IOO,OOO in" value. At about a quarter-past seven o'clock, flames were seen to burst beneath the premises occupied by Graham and Co., wine and spirit merchants, and before anything could be done to stop the progress of the fire it extended to the Union Company's offices, and bonded stores of T\ W. Carr and Sons. These valuable concrete buildings were erected about five years ago, and cost about .£IO,OOO. They contained oil, wool, grass seed, and a large quantity of general merchandise. Mr Can- was one of the Lady Jocelyn's passengers, and had with his family recently purchased premises and started business here. The flames rapidly extended to the premises of Messrs Pitt and Bennett, auctioneers, passing to the rear of the Union Bank, and to M'Farlane's Hall. Presently the Union Bank caught fire. Then succumbed the offices of Brassey and Eraser, solicitors. Dickson's Argyle Hotel, besides one or two other minor buildings on the opposite ?ide of the street, were saved with the greatest difficulty. The whole block is cleared, and had there been the slightest breeze blowing the towu would have been burned down. The following are the insurances :—South British, £I7OO ; Victoria Insurance Company, £5175; Colonial Insurance Company, £2OBO ; North British and Mercantile, £2623; National, £3150; Norwich Union, £1450; Standard, £1100; Royal Inscrance Company, £1005; New Zealand, £2050; grand total, £22,380.