INVERCARGILL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2846, 9 May 1882, Page 2

INVERCARGILL.

DESTRUCTION OF~THE BANK OF AUSTRALASIA. [By Telegeaph.j Invercargill, May 9. Early this morning a .fire, broke out in the premises in Tay street occupied by T. G. Lumsden, watchmaker, and spread to the Bank of Australasia, adjoining. Both places were soon burned to the ground. A considerable quantity of furniture and effects was saved from the Bank. At one time it seemed as if the premises of the Bank of New South Wales (brick), to the left of the burning bdfldings, would be destroyed, and Mr A. Watson’s brick shop on the right, which was separated by a right-of-way, was also in danger. The portion nearest the fire was occupied by Peters, hairdresser, whose stock was considerably damaged by fire and water ; the Bank of New South Wales, from which the furniture was removed, was also damaged. Nothing is at present known as to the origin of the fire. Lumsden says everything was right when he left the shop at 10.30 last eight. The buildings destroyed were very old ones, and it is understood that the Bank contemplated the erection of new premises shortly. The Brigade was present in force, and worked well, LATER. . The insurances on the Bank of Australasia are £IOOO on the building and £3OO on the furniture, in the North British and Mercantile ; Lumsden’s stock and fittings were insured for £2OO in the Northern ; Peters’ stock and fittings for £3OO in the Victorian ; and Watson’s buildings for £6OO in the Standard. The Bank of New South Wales had £2OOO on the buildings and fittings in the Norwich Union office. The furniture of Preshaw, the manager, who was uninsured, is greatly damaged.