Mystery Fires

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 365, 28 May 1928, Page 1

Mystery Fires

big building at picton . DESTROYED TEN-ROOMED HOUSE SAVED Press Association. BLENHEIM, To-day. Another mysterious fire in the early hours of Sunday morning completely destroyed Jensen’s Buildings at Picton, which contained between 60 and 70 rooms, in addition to shops, etc., on the ground floor. The buildings were erected 20 years ago and were intended for hotel purposes, but a licence was never granted. The structure has been more or less of a “white elephant” ever since. The only portion occupied was two rooms on the ground floor, where C. E. Moffatt’s dental parlours were situated. The fire originated in a deserted upper storey and spread with extraordinary rapidity, the concrete downstairs apartments serving as funnels for the admission of draught to the upper wooden portions. The flames spread to Mr. C. E. Townshend’s ten-roomed residence adjoining. but a great fight by the brigade saved it. Jensen’s Buildings were completely destroyed. Following the destruction of the school last week, the fire is one of a series of mysterious outbreaks in Picton which has caused some uneasiness among townsfolk. The only insurance on the building was £I,OOO in the Royal Office. Mr. Moffatt’s premises were covered for £760 in the same office. Mr. Townshend's house was insured for £1,250 and the contents for £450 in the Sun Office.