FIRE IN CRAWFORD STREET.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 37

FIRE IN CRAWFORD STREET.

THOMSON AND CO.'S WAREHOUSE

DAMAGED

Shortly before 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon a fire was, discovered in tho large bloc «: of buildings at the corner of Crawford ami Police streets, occupied by Messrs Thomson and Co., aerated water manufacturers. It is supposed that a defective chimney was the cause of the outbreak. At anyrate, when the fire was discovered it had a firm hold on the top flat of the three-storey building. The Fire Brigade put in a smart appearance, but it was some time beforeit succeeded irf getting its lines of hose into action. The fire was eventually go* undei control. A large quantity of water found its way to the lower floors, and did considerabla damage. Fortunately, the factory is not damaged, and work there will be proceeded with without interruption. The offices on. the ground floor were flooded, but the books were removed to a place of safety as soon as ihe alarm wa6 given. Much damage was done, both by fire and water, and it is estimated that £2000 will not cover it. A quantity of cork disused machinery, and packing was stored on the ton flat, "and this is all destroyed. Tho insurances are distributed among the Atlas, Standard. Liverpool and London and Globe, New Zealand, South British, Victoria, National, Commercial Union, \lliance. Royal, Australian Alhai -, and Phoenix offices. On the warehouse. <*>rdial department, and office the total w £3250. On the stock. £3,800. On the machinery, £750. On fittings, etc., £200. The factorj adjoining is insured for £1000. it* stock foi £400, and the machinery £1000. The force of water was quite inadeauate to reach the top storey. It got no higher than tho windows on the first floor, ana the owners of some of the fine three-storey buildings which have b-n erected in this quaner do not view wiih equanimity the work that the brigade will be able to do it their nremi'es should unfortunately take fire beforC the arrival of the Fire Boards fire engine With a fire engine on the eceno such as, it is said, the board is about to procure for the city, yesterday's outbreak could have been subdued in a very fewminutes. ,-

The i *mail service to Preservation is to bo continued, so that the miners there may bo in regular communication with all parts of the Dominion.' The Mines Department will contribute one-half of the cost of the sub* eidy, amounting to something over £100.