GREAT FIRE AT TAURANGA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2557, 1 June 1881, Page 2

GREAT FIRE AT TAURANGA.

£30,000 OF PROPERTY DESTROYED. [By Telegraph.] Tauranga, Juno 1. A great fire occurred last night. It commenced at 8 o’clock in Mr Lees’ shop on the Strand, and with a southerly breeze it spread both ways, and in two hours it had cleared the whole of the block of buildings between Harrington and Hamilton streets. When Menzie’s Hotel was all on fire the flames flew over to the other side of Harrington street, and caught Mr Chadwick’s shop, and from there it swept Mr Jordan's large grain stores, and stacks of Hobarton palings and Mechanics’ Institute. The Government buildings had a narrow escape, as they were enveloped in sparks and burning material. The coals were set on fire in a shed. The buildings burnt down are Rhodes. McKenny’s, Mrs Fielding’s, Bonar’s, Leo’s, Ellis’, Burrows’, premises of Menzio’s Hotel, “ Bay of Plenty Times” office, Wrigley’s, Chadwick’s Jordan’s, and Mechanics’ Institute. The total loss is about £30,000, of which very little is insured. There is no fire brigade here, only hand pumps. The Maoris who are in great force here, worked splendidly in trying to save all the goods. FURTHER PARTICULARS. When the fire broke out the flames soon enveloped the whole of the_ front of the building, making it impossible to do anything to check the progress of the flames. The fire spread so rapidly that the occupants of the adjoining premises had very little time to save anything. Wrigley’s grain store and stable were saved. The places destroyed are - Rhode’s store and cookshop, McKennies’ boarding house, Fielding’s shop, Mr Bonnor’s, and Mr Ellis’ boot shop, and Mr Burrows’ stationery depot; also several small dwelling houses. The “ Bay of Plenty Times ” has taken new offices in Spring street, with only one issue, publishing on Saturday. Thy origin of the fire is unknown, but is supposed to have been caused by a kerosene lamp which was left burning in the building and exploded, or set fire to goods hanging above. Wigley, who was uninsured, loses about £13,000.