BIG BLAZE IN PALMERSTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2699, 23 February 1924, Page 3

BIG BLAZE IN PALMERSTON.

SEVEN SHOPS DESTROYED.

What is described as the most spectacular and destructive fire that has occurred in Palmerston N. for a generation, occurred at 11 o’clock last night, and resulted in the destruction, complete or partial, of seven business pemises on the western side of the Square and in Cnba Street. The outbreak originated in the .rear of the Empire Auctioneering Company, and fanned by a fresh north-easterly breeze, defied the best efforts of the firelighters for over an hour. From the auction mart the flames spread successively to the Universal Supply, Sehneideman’s tailoring establishment, Stanley’s Drapery Store, “Bobby’s” confectionery, Giorgi’s tobacconist and Sam Lee, ianndry. The stock of Mr Wycherley’s, outfitter, was also slightly damaged by water.

The scene is that formerly occupied by the old Theatre Royal, which 20 or 30 years ago was the town’s chief entertainment and meeting house, before being converted into shops. The owners of the old Theatre Royal building, Messrs Mowlem Bros., are heavy losers, although the structure was insured for £4,000 with the Alliance Company. Mr T. T. Kerslake, to whom belonged the Universal Supply Company’s and L. Giorgi’s premises, is insured with the Standard arid Yorkshire Insurance Companies for a total of £IOOO. The Cuba Streel brick building damaged by the fire, w’as insured with the Standard for £BOO, and the front shop was insured for a like amount —£400 with the Standard Co. and €4OO with the Yorkshire.

Mr. L. Giorgi w’as the most fortunate occupier in the block, and his stock, which was slightly damaged by wuiter and smoke was insured for £IOOO with the Atlas-Company. The Universal Supply Company although insured for approximately £3.000 with the Yorkshire, Alliance and State companies, are extremely heavy losers, little of the stock, if any. escaping damage by smoke and water. The insurance on the stock of the firms of Messrs Sehneideman. Stanley, Empire Auction Mart, Bobby, and Sam Lee are unavailable.