NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2241, 24 May 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Pee “Times” Special Wire.! Suspicious Fire. Dunedin, May 24; Shortly before 11 o'clock last night a fire broke out in a building in Hanover street. The fire had apparently obtained a powerful hold before it was seen, and as it was chiefly wood, the flames obtained almost a complete ’mastery. The place was completely gutted. There was a brick wall between it and the adjoining premises, occupied: by Mr Hale, picture framer, s® that the latter escaped. Regarding the origin, it is best described as a mystery; but there arc one or two somewhat singular circumstances. The building is a two storey one of six rooms, and was i.i the occupation of John Pattersoh (known in connection with the firm of Armstrong and Patterson, labor agents), whose wife carried on a millinery business. He and his wife left the place a few minutes before the fire broke out, and are understood to have left Dunedin by the 11 p.m. south train. Patterson was a tenant only, and had his stock insured recently in the Transatlantic oflice for £l5O. Those who first got an entrance to the shop state that th'ey looked about for property to save,' but could find nothing except a few books. It is not certain which part of the building the flames originated, whether in front or back, but they certainly spread with surprising rapidity, and Patterson did not return to discoveV the fate of his premises. The owner of the building is Henry Hawker, a resident of Balclutha, and his insurance is either £3OO or £4OO in the Standard. The police are endeavoring to solve the rnystery as to the origin. ~