FIRE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 88, 16 April 1877, Page 2

FIRE.

, The moskserious fire which has occurred in Nelson for some time broke out about two o'clock this morning in the premises occupied by Mi- E. #. Jones, saddler, in Bridgestreet. The alarm was given by Constable Cooper, who saw smoke issuing from the roof, the engine-house bell was rung by one , L of Mr Chisholtn's boys, and in a short time' the Fire Brigades were on the spot with all their . appliances, but the fire had secured- a .good hold, and with the strong. SAY. breeze that was blowing it was not easy to subdue it, indeed, this was a task that occupied nearly two hours in completion. Fortunately, to the eastward of the building in which the flames were first seen, and between it and Mr Warren's butcher's shop, there was a vacant space some twenty-five feet in width, Avhich rendered the checking of the spread of the flames in that direction a comparatively easy matter. The shop of Mr Waters, shoemaker, which adjoined Mr Jones' on the western side, the two, indeed, forming one building, was speedily in flames, which from thence extended to the Coach and Horses Hotel, attacking it through a window and -by,., the roof, which was soon on fire. "The Brigades and several members, of the public worked hard aud manfully in their endeavors to keep the fire under, to save property; and to prevent the flames spreading, and were fortunate in confining them to the three buildings named, the first two of which were totally destroyed with all their contents, while very nearly the same may be said of the hitter where two rooms only are uninjured, the bar and the room immediately above it, nine^bedrooiiis, the parlors, kitchen and other rooms, with, their contents, being completely ruined by the combined action of fire and water. Mr Waters' house was insured for £150' }n- the South British, , but his stock, valued at about £130, the whole of which was destroyed, was uninsured, The house occupied by Mr Jones, the property of Mr Waters, was not insured, but the stock was for £100 in the South British. Mr Leech, the occupier. of the Coach. and Horses, was uninsured, and estimates his loss in furniture at £300. The house, the property of Messrs Hooper & Dpdson, was also uninsured, as that firm, having a large number ot houses, take their own risks. The damages are esmatcd at about £500. An enquiry will be Held into the origin of the fire which at present is wrapped in mystery.