DISASTROUS FIRE IN BULLS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9398, 19 March 1909, Page 5

DISASTROUS FIRE IN BULLS.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE BLOCK OP BUILDINGS DESTROYED. POST OFFICE, TOWN HALL AND BUSINESS PREMISES', DESTROYED. HEAVY. LOSSES, The following reached - us by telephone this morning v At about midnight last night a fire broke out in Clarke’s grocery store, Balls, which was totally destroyed The flames caught the eaves of the new Post Office, a brick and oemant building, and burst through the roof, ultimately totally destroy Ing the building. The fire next spread to Green’s blacksmith’s shop, then to Mr T. King's commisison agency office, Mansell’s old store, the Town Hall and Nicholson’s bootmakers’ shop, all of which were consumed. The fire also injured Mansell’s new store (the stock being also badly damaged), Stevenson’s tailoring shop, and Orouaher’s (cabinetmakers). ' The Rangitikei Hotel caught fire three times, but was saved by the efforts of willing workers. BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER. A most disastrous fire took place at Bulls last night. Shortly after midnight an alarm was given by Miss -Denholm, residing at Mr J. Q. French’s place, who discovered that the outbreak was at Mr W. B. Clark’s new stores, next to the Post Office. 7

The.fire had obtained a strong hold before the alarm was 'given. A strong sonth easterly wind was blowing and a steady rain had set in. The fire quickly ’sprea l to the hlaoksmith’s shop, owned by Mr J. E. , Walker, and occupied by Mr Harry Green, and thence to Mr Thomas King’s office (Rangitikei Dairy Company) and these buildings were soon [demolished. Alhefforts to'stay the progress of the fire were futile and the flames quickly devoured Air F. J. Mansell’s ironmongery and crockery store rooms (Clark’s old shop), and also a dwelling at the back of these premises.

The heat was terrific and the Post Office—-a fine new brick building—took fire under the eaves, and although strenuous efforts were made to check the flames they were of no avail and the whole of the Interior was burnt out. Only brick walls are now standing |At this time the buildings on the opposite side of the street, in,which direction the wind was blowing, were in imminent danger, and the premises of Messrs Gorton & Son and the office of the Rangitikei Racing Club caught alight, bbat willing workers succeeded in arresting the^flre, A strong bucket brigade was soon got together and great efforts were made to save the. Town [Hall, but notwithstanding that everything possible was done, the flames overpowered their efforts, and this bnildiug was soon reduced to ashes. The adjoining shop and dwelling, owned by Mr Mansell, and occupied respectively by Mr Q: Nicholson and Mr F. Paul, were also doomed and soon sneonmbed to the devouring element.

At this stage the bucket brigade devoted its attention to saving the tailor’s shop (owned by Mr John Stevenson, and occupied by Mr Monks) on the north side of the Post office. Their efforts were rewarded and the building was saved. This was fortunate as other hnildings would Ibave gone, including the Public Library and Messrs Jones & McGregor’s store.

Messrs Mansell & Sons’ store at the south end of the street also escaped’destruction, but only by means of the most strenuous efforts. The store being detached from Nicholson’s shop allowed room for the public to exercise their best energies, and by systematic working the fire was checked. It was fortunate the danger was averted at this point, otherwise the Rangitikei Hotel and the Bank of New South Wales and Bank of New Zealand, together with buildings adjoining would inevitably have been destroyed. ;r Nearly every resident of Bulls turned out to witness the fire, which spread with amazing rapidity owing to the strong wind. The official records, documents and letters were saved from the Post Office.

The stock in Mr Clark’s big store was burnt. He bad just opened up bis large shipment of autumn and winter goods. His |losa is heavy. The stock in Messrs Mansell So Sons’ store rooms was saved, but considerable damage was done by rain and removal. The loss is estimated, at £IOOO. Mr G. Nicholson succeeded in saving his stock and equipments. Mr Paul also saved his furniture and effects. 0_ _ » . INSURANCES. As far as can he ascertained the insurances are : Mr Clark’s store was ipsnred for £SOO in tbeYictoria. He had £IOOO on his stock in the same office, and ,£BOO on his stock in the South British.

The blacksmith shop, owned by Walker, was insured in the National for £125, and a similar risk was held in the same office on the building occupied by Mr Thomas King. • , The Town Hall was insured tor £4OO in the National. Messrs Mansell & Sons’ hulk store room (Clark’s old shop) was covered with a risk of £465 in the Northern office. The same office held a risk of £165 on Nicholson’s shop and dwelling, owned by Mr F. J. Mansell. As showing the promptness of the Telegraph Department may be stated that telegraphic and telephonic communication was restored in temporary buildings [abont:_lo.3o this morning. Mr McNiokle, Postmaster, had no insurance, and he estimates his loss at £l5O. ANOTHER OUTBREAK. Between 7 and 8 o’clock this morning another outbreak of fire ocurred. Three different bedrooms at the Rangitikei hotel caught lire and bedding and mattresses were burnt. The loss is about £l6o.