FIRES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 11 August 1909, Page 38

FIRES.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 15. ! Last evening a 15-roomed house in the pleasure-grounds at New Brighton, known as Bligh's Garden, was burned. The building was owned by Mr F. Stevens, who was in the city at the time, the only occupants of the house being Mrs Stevens and her three children. All escaped in their nightolothes. The building was soon completely destroyed. The "Wonderland'" portion of the gardens -was untouched. July 25. A fire occurred last evening in premises in Hereford street owned and occupied by Mr W. Wiggins, saddler, and also occupied amongst others by Messrs A. Mitchell, boot and shoe and general indent agents, on the second floor, where the outbreak was discovered. The motor chemical got the flames under. The rooms occupied by Messrs Mitchell and Co. and the contents were damaged severe!}'. The remainder of the building was slightly damaged by smoke and heat. Messrs Mitchell and Co.'s stock was insured for £750 in the Royal Exchange office, and £1250 in the" United office. July 31. S. Johnstone's store at Leaston was burnt down early this morning. The store and contents were completely destroyed, but the adjoining hotel was saved by the brigade's efforts. The stock was valued at £2000 or £2500, but the insurance was only £900. The building belonged to Mr M'Cormick. hotelkeeper. The insurances are not available. CHRISTCHURCH, August 5. By a fire in the nursery of a 17-roomed house at Sunnier this morning damage estimated at £200 was don-e. The outbreak was caused by some clothes airing in front of a fire get-ting alight. Fortunately the infant had been removed from the nursery to the adjoining room when the parents went downstairs for breakfast. The house was owned and occupied by Norman Dalston. The building was insured for £900, and the contents for £300 in the Royal office. TIMARU, August 5. A fire at 3 o'clock this morning stroyed a five-roomed dwelling in Regent street, owned and occupied by Mr R. C. Campbell and family. The occupants were aroused by the crackling of the flames, - and <with* difficulty escaped in their night attire only. Insurances : State office, £400 on tije dwelling and £200 on the furniture. . - INYERCARGILIi, July 28. A fire occurred in an upstairs room at the City Hotel at 5 this morning. It burnt through the floor into Dallas and Watt's drapery stock. The latter's stock was damaged to the extent of £700. It is covered by insurance in the Standard office to the amount of £400. The damage j to the hotel was slight.