Mercer’s Buildings Gutted

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 10, 12 May 1915, Page 4

Mercer’s Buildings Gutted

FSRE BRIGADE'S EARLYMORNING CALL. HAIRDRESSING AGO BILLIARD SALOONS BURNT OUT. ALL-ROUND TOTAL LOSS. At 1.30 this morning the firebcll awakened many Stratford residents from their slumbers, when it was discovered that a big fire was in progress in the centre of the town. When the Brigade under Captain Grubb arrived on the scene. Mr T. Mercer’s Buildings, in Broadway, on the northern side of the Rost Office, and directly behind the railway station, were throwing up columns of flame and smoke to a height of over fifty feet. The main seat of the lire was in the rear of the premises, upon which tiie Brigade got quickly to work. It seemed to the onlooker that the whole place must go, and that the adjoining premises of Pi vac’s dining rooms and Stone’s jeweller’s, were in the danger zone. Fortunately, there was not a breath of wind, and aided, also, with a splendid-pressure of water, the Brigade made marvellous progress, and within an hour, the lire had been got under, leaving the building standing, but the fittings charred and de-

stroyed beyond recognition. On the alarm being given, willing hands set to work to save the stocks and furniture in tae adjoining premises, and there was soon a collection of jewellery and restaurant conveniences in a jumbled mass on the opposite side of the street. These wellintentioned efforts, as aft airs turned out, were in vain, as the Brigade, continuing their commendable work, quickly extinguished the outbreaks on these premises, and in an hour’s .time the articles were returned to the shops. Mr Stone, unfortunately, was not on the scene until a couple of hours after the alarm had been given, and naturally, received a shock at the turn of events. Together with Mr Bivac, who is at present on holiday in Auckland, Mr Stone was a sufferer by the fire at the Municipal Buildings in October last, but this second visitation of the Fire Fiend was not of so intimate a nature, and beyond slight damage inseparable from such accidents, their losses will be comparatively immaterial. The corrugated iron wall of Pivac’s building uudoubtI edly assisted in preventing the spread of the flames.

The hairdressing saloon, which was nearest the outbreak, suffered more than the front shop, but the damage to the tobacco stocks and fancy goods by smoke and water is irrecoverable. This morning billiard enthusiasts who had attended the McConochvDunlop match in Mr Kelly’s saloon on the previous evening viewed the scene of their amusement and instruction with mingled feelings. The table on which the match was played was a wreck, and was covered with charred wood, amid which the different ivory balls, blackened beyond distinction looked still more like their part as “cannon” balls. Both the other tables were also destroyed beyond repair, and the room was a blackened and dismal spectacle. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, both the occupants having left their premises at.closing times to all appearances quite safe.

The alarm is stated to have been given by a young man who noticed the glare from the vicinity of the Swansea Road bridge. It will be understood that by the time the tirebell was reached, the flames had a strong hold. Mr. Pi vac’s building, which has suffered to some extent, was insured lor £250; the plate glass for £45; and Mr. Pivac’s stock and fittings for £2OO all in the Queensland office. Mr. Stone’s stock is only covered with an insurance of £125, also in that office.

The building, of wood and iron, was owned by Mr F. W. Wake, of Auckland, and it is understood, was insured in the United Office (Messrs Webster, Dobson and Co.’ local agents) but the amount is not known. Mr T. Mercer had a cover of £6OO on his stock and fittings in the Phoenix office (Mr Xewton King, local agent) and Mr Kelly’s billiard saloon, furniture and fittings were insured for £3OO in another office.