Fire and Flood at Ashhurst.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7321, 14 June 1902, Page 3

Fire and Flood at Ashhurst.

The most drastio fire in the auuals of Ashhurst took place this morning at about 3.30 o'clock, when a number of buildings in the main street were totally destroyed—'namely, the Public Library, Bauckhani's Beady Money Store, Brewer's Grain Store, Mr Brueo Beale's office, while West's chemist building was badly scorched and the stock badly damaged by water.

The books in tbc public library were saved and the building was insured for £100. Banokhum's store and stock were insured for £'500, and there was an in.--ura.neo of £200 on Brewer's grain store building. Tlio other insurances are unknown.

Tho fire originated in BauckhamV Ecady Money Store, which is a lock-up shop, _ then the library followed, and West's shop seemed the next doomed ; however, the wind shifted, mid the flames then took Brewer's store on tho other side of Baucklinm's, then Bruce Beale's office. There is a break of about loft between Mr Beale'n office and Mr James' residence, where willing hands assisted by the abnormal quantity of storm water in the gutters, were successful in checking the fire. At one time it looked a certainty that tho fire would travel to Piercy's and thence across the road to Rimmer and Craven's large store, and if I hat had caught, one half of Ashhurst would have been in aslies. Those whose promises were in danger smcorcly tiiank tho many willing helpers who 'assisted m cheeking the fliines. All are heavy loser.'.

Sir Brewer had £120 worth of crockery, which tamo in the ship Gladys, very much knocked about Re had made ail arrangements to have it packed in his grain store, but fortunately he had not put it there.

Most genuine regret is felt for W. and. E. Bauckham, as Hiaey had not long commenced business, and will be heavy lowers. ■

Tho Pohangina river is in flood, and the water is higher than at the last big flood. Tho quantity of large timber coming down the rirer is amazing. A quantity of laud has boon washed uwny, The lower gorge punt has been washed away, and there ia a large wash out on the road at the fool of McDonald's Hill, fiauintii,