Destructive Fire in Palmerston.

Manawatu Herald, 28 January 1904, Page 2

Destructive Fire in Palmerston.

CLARENDON HOTEL AND FIVE SHOPS DESTROYED. INADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY. This morning at 245 o’clock a fire broke out at the back of Hyde’s billiard room. For some time it burned slowly and then after about ten minutes the flames entered the Clarendon Hotel. Once the entry was gained the fire spread with phenomenol rapidity until in less than 15 minutes from the start the whole hotel was in flames. Kavanagh's, Merriman's, Hannah’s, and Gascoigne’s shops on the Square, and. Smith’s stable buildings at the rear were soon in flames, but brick walls prevented the fire from going further. The building across Cuba-street and the two hotels opposite were at one time endangered. All the occupants in the Clarendon were aroused, and got out with their effects. Some of the Clarendon furniture was also removed. It was nearly xo minutes after the start before water was obtained in any. thing like a supply and then it was too weak to do much good. The Fire Brigade turned out in full force under Foreman Barnard. At 3.35 the conflagration had burned itself out within its brick enclosure; while all danger of the buildings across Cuba and Rangitikei streets catching was prevented by the efforts of the Brigade. The goods in Kavanagh’s, Hannah's, Merriman’s, and Gascoigne’s were shortly destroyed, though the public managed to rescue a considerable quantity. Fortunately there was absolutely no wind blowing at the time, otherwise the conflagration would very much more serious. when the fire was at its height was intense.