DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ELTHAM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 9 July 1907, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ELTHAM.

Great damage done.

Eltiiam, July 8,

A fire broke out at (5 o’clock yesterday morning in a shop occupied by Mrs Adams (fruiterer), in High Street. The flames were not discovered until they burst through the windows. A northerly gale was raging, and other wooden structures to the nortli quickly caught. The brigade was almost helpless owing to the terrific heat, and it seemed as if the lire could not be stopped before it consumed the Athenamra. There was also a danger of Davidson’s drapery shop at the corner of Bridge and High Street and Potts’ Hotel on the opposite corner going. Rain minimised the- risk of flying sparks, and a lull enabled the brigade to get a hose behind Dixon s blacksmithy shop and to partly demolish the building. Water was played on the advancing flames and they were stopped at Walker’s, saddlers.

The following premises were destroj'ed:—Mrs D. Adams (fruiterer), Mrs Hcnnessy (lolly shop). Misses Gowen’s and Cave (dressmakers), Crcsswell (general store), Parker (dentist), Miss Robb (draper); Mrs Lewis (fruiterer), H. Gr. Payne (jeweller), Walker (saddler), and Dixon (blacksmith). The total loss is estimated at £6OOO. Of this £3OOO is covered, £775 being in the Royal. The origin of the fire is unknown. The night watchman inspected the building a quarter of an hour before the outbreak. The telegraph wires were burnt down, but communication was restored at 9 a.ra. to-day.