A Township Burned.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 261, 8 November 1904, Page 2

A Township Burned.

DISASTROUS FIRE AT COLLING WOOD.

(Per Press Association). NELSON, Nov, 7. A , tojogr&m recfedved to-day states that the major portion of the village of Collingwood was burnt down last night, including stores, hotel, etc. '

It is stated that only three or four houses on the beacfc were saved. Later details rlic'oived by the telegraph office st,ate that practically the Whole town was burnt down. Telegraph canununication was interrupted owing to the destruction of the post and telegraph olflce. A temporary otticel has been opened at arapara, whencb special mess.ingei's aro running, to the scene of the conflagration. ~ . Later. Iho firo at Collingwood broke out at 1 a.m. in Slialilaixl's bakery. A strong westerly wind was blowing, ami it .was s o on apparent that the businoss part of the township was doomed. The Humes crossed the streot, destroying, amongst other places, the post ollico and I'inkerton's and Prussing's Hotels. At 4 a.m. heavy rain set in, but had Ho effect on the fire, and' merely spoiled what goods had been saved. 1 wenty 'business places were dt>stroyed, umongi them the public hall and Argus office. This morning the town is a blackened heap of ruins. There lis not a building left fronting tho main streot., Ihore were many narrow escapes, but no serious accidents. Most of the places wvre insure;!. Tho insurances on the public buildings are distributed as follows • Norwich Union £2210, North Queensland £450, Liverpool, und London and Globe £I6OO, Australian Alliance £2BO, South British £1740, Sun £IBOO, total £IO,IOO. Beslides these E. Riley's store,, etc,, was insured in tiho Northern Office, but tl«! amount is not ascertained. Twenty-one years ago a large fiort'on of the township was burned down, and many of the present suflerers were 'burnt out then.

Tho Mayor ol Nelson inas telegraphed sympathy, anid offers of pecuniary assistance have been made.