THE WELLINGTON FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81873, 24 October 1906, Page 3

THE WELLINGTON FIRE.

OPENING THE SAFES. H MOST OF THEM INTACT. LATER OUTBREAKS SUPPRESSED. Per Press Association. Wellihgtos, October 23 With one exception the strong-rooms which 'were attacked by fire came through the ordeal very well. The standing walls at Whitcombe tod Tombs and the Trocadero will lure to come down, and the work of demolishing begins to-day. Meanwhile, the electric tram service by Lambton Quay has been suspended Early this morning sparks from the raoldering debris were carried by the gale in the direction of Boulcott street, above Plimmer's Steps, and a small rammer house was set ablaze. The occupants of residences in the vicinity removed hastily, but, with a full presirtre of water, the danger was averted. The Jarrah wood blocking on the itreet running in front of the Bank of Ifcw South Wales and Whiteombe and Tombs' burned fiercely yesterday. Mr Morton, City Engineer, referring to the fact, says: " I have seen some big fires iti Melbourne, but 1 tiave never seen them bora like that. The heat must have been terrific."

Practically all those affected by the fire have resumed business in temporary premises. The New Zealand Insurance Company's strong room doors were burst open during the fire and the contents completely destroyed. There are said to be duplicates in the Auckland ofliee The Wellington Trust and Loan xtroog-room suffered sererely, and some of the contents were damaged by fire getting in, but most of the records damaged are said to be old and of little value. The contents of one of the Kembers safes were completely destroyed, while the contents of another were damaged.