Extensive Fires.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 129, 12 May 1884, Page 2

Extensive Fires.

[Per Press Association.] Wanganui, May 12. An extensive fire occurred at Opongaro, the residence of Spencer Peel, Esq., which was burned down in the absence of the inmates, who had loft everything apparently secure. Amongst the property destroyed were five gold and diamond bracelets, which were afterwards found among the debris. The property was insured—Colonial, £2OO on the house, £3OO on furniture, £5OO on other contents. The two last amounts do not cover the total loss, which includes a quantity of jewellery. Wellington, May 12. Another fire occurred at 2.30 this morning, the houses occupied by Mr. Preston, wine merchant, and Captain Steele of the steamer Manawatu, being totally destroyed. The fire originated in the house of the latter who is away from Wellington, his wife and four children remaining in the residence. How it occurred is not known, but it is believed to have started in one of the partitions. Both houses are the property of George Brown, contractor. The firemen were delayed by the water not being turned on at the reservoir, until twenty minutes after their arrival at the scene of the conflagration. The insurances on Preston’s house wore £250, and furniture, £5O, both in the National. The house occupied by captain Steele was insured for £lOO in the National, and the furniture for £lOO in the South British. Preston estimates his loss at £5O over the insurances. Patea, May 12. Mr. D. IT. Williamson’s house at Mamahake was destroyed by fire at 2 a.m. on Saturday, it is supposed through embers igniting the floor. Insurance: £3OO on the house and £lOO on the furniture, both in the New Zealand Office. The loss is considerably more.