CONFLAGRATION AT WAIHI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1956, 25 March 1919, Page 3

CONFLAGRATION AT WAIHI.

SERIOUS DAMAGE IN BUSINESS CENTRE. L * i Waihi, March 23. The most destructive fire in Waihi. for the past sixteen or seventeen years occurred about 3 o’clock thin morning, the premises destroyed being those of Hetherington’s, Ltd., drapers; Hague Smith, Ltd., ironmongers and house furnishers; and the Stilling boardinghouse and garage; while the premises of R. J. Say, butcher, and other "premises in the vicinity suffered more or less through fire and water. The properties destroyed were in the business centre in Seddon Street, and involved losses representing several thousands of pounds. Hetherington’s were one of the two drapery firms in the town, and carried stock valued at about £G,00(), which, together with a building worth about £2,000, was completely demolished, while the building and stock of Smith’s were also totally lost. The building was valued at £I,OOO, and (he stock at between £4,000 and £5,000. The Stirling Boardinghouse, formerly an hotel, contained about forty rooms, and was not covered by insurance, the companies having dropped all policies held on hotel premises when no-license was carried in Ohinerauri some ten years ago. The premises wore owned by Mr J. L. Stevens, who had an insurance of £l5O on the garage, formerly used as a livery stable. The brigade turned out promptly and strenuously fought the outbreak, which at one stage looked like carrying away the block on the opposite side of the intersecting street, but a change of wind, tugother with (be efforts of the brigade, saved the situation, and the damage in this block - was confined to about I £1,50 on Mi’ Say’s butchery promt's- I es and comparatively slight damage | to D. Donaldson’s sample rooms and ; residence, and the shop of I). Saun- ! ders, cabinetmaker and undertaker. ’