GREAT FIRE IN PALMERSTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 11 April 1891, Page 3

GREAT FIRE IN PALMERSTON.

Last night a fire broke out in that block of buildings (in the Square, Palmerston that are situated between the Bank of New Zealand and the Salvation Army barracks, The buildings were all destroyed.

(From our own correspondent.).

The largest and most disastrous fire that has ever occurred in Palmerston took place this morning. The fire originated in Regan's twelveroomed boarding-hous3, and spread both sides to J. R. Montague's auction rooms, occupied by owner and Native Land Court, J. Sorwall's furniture warehouse, occupied by '. owner, and E. B. Pearce, com* J mission agent. Hankins' build* ings occupied by Weight and Co., grocers, J. B. Clark, draper, 3, H. Hankins, solicitor, and T. H. James, architect. Occupants of boarding - house barely escaped with their lives, by jumping through windows. A rumour was current that two men were burnt but lacks confirmation. Nothing was saved from this place, but from the other buildings most of . the contents were saved. The strong room and fire safes in Hankins' office. were untouched, and ' all deeds and papers of clients saved. ' The Bank of New Zealand was in ' great danger at one time. Insurances as far as can be ascer- ' tamed are — Montague's premises, £850 building, £150 stock, estimated ' loss, £500. Sorwall's, £800 building, stock uninsured. Pearce uninsured, ] estimated loss £500; Hankins' ' buildings £550; Hankins' furniture and boobs, £200; Weight & Co's stock, $6108 ; Clark, uninsured; Jameß, uninsured.