FIRE IN THE CITY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8346, 5 February 1913, Page 7

FIRE IN THE CITY

OUTBREAK IN HERBERT STREET EXPRESS COMPANY’S PREMISES GUTTED. A fire which resulted in considerable damage being dono to the building and contents of the premises of tho New Zealand Express Company, Herbert street, broke out last night, ihe alarm was received at tho Central Fire Station at about a quarter to 11 o’clock, but judging by the hold which tho flames had when tho brigade arrived on the scene, the outbreak mast have started some timo earlier. The brigade rushed through Manners street just as people were leaving the Opera House, causing an immediate stampede to tho vicinity of tho occurrence. Tho fire commenced in the back portion of tho building, facing Edward street, but it was not by any means easily accessible, as the portion which was blazing fiercest was surrounded by other buildings. Tho brigade, under Superintendent Tait, quickly had four leads of hose playing on the flames. Tho premises consisted of three flats. Some years ago the part where the lire took place was a stable, but it was afterwards converted into a store. The far end of the top floor was used as a packing room,, and it contained a large quantity of soft goods belonging to MaoKy, Logan, and Caldwell. This together with a lot of furniture which was stored for packing, was totally destroyed, as tho whole of tho top floor was completely burned out. The second floor was also full of furniture, and on the bottom floor furniture and machinery were stored. The contents of the middle and bottom floors were damaged more by water than by fire. All the goods damaged belong to clients of the New Zealand Express Company. The New Zealand and Victoria Insurance Companies hold policies over a large portion of tho goods stored by the Express Company. Last evening the amount of tho insurances was not ascertainable, but tho building is understood to b© insured with the New Zealand Insurance Company for about £2500. The big reflection in the sky attracted some hundreds of people. The Fire Police, under Captain Wright and Lieutenants T. Ballinger, J. C. Cusack and Aster, rendered valuable assistance.