FIRES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 184, 14 November 1910, Page 8

FIRES

A SHOP GUTTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Napier, Saturday. A lire gutted the back portion of Southgatc's fruiterer's shop in Hastingsstreet, doing considerable damage. The luiikling was owned by Ringland Bros., and was insured for £250 in the South British olliee. the stock for £201) in the ■l'nion oiliee and £IOO in the Norwich Union olliee, and Sonthgaie's personal effects for £")() in the Norwich Union office.

SIN-ROOMED HOUSE GUTTED. About half-past four on Saturday afternoon a fire was discovered in a house in Cameron-street, occupied by Mr. R. Bennoch. The Eire Brigade turned out smartly in response to the iirebell call, but the fire had such a hold that it was found utterly impossible to save the building, of which the skeleton only now remains. The origin of the outbreak is somewhat of a mystery, as a few little children were the only ones about the premises for some time previous. The lire is said to have originated in the porch at the back of the house, and when discovered had a thorough hold of the kitchen, and the flames spread rapidly. It has been stated that the children were locked in the house by Mrs. Bennoch when she went shopping, but this was not so. The three children, with two of their chums, were left by Mrs. Bennoch playing in the grounds, the house not even being locked up. It appears that someone gave money to the children, who bought crackers, and the result of these being set off, it is surmised, was the ignition of a quantity of dry grass under the house, which afterwards caught fire. The house was insured with the Alliance Assurance Co. for £l5O, but the owner, Mr. Grayson, estimates his loss as £4OO above that figure. Unfortunately Mr. Bennoch had no insurance on the furniture, and lost everything.

If your property is not insured call at or ring up the United Insurance Company, Ltd., Devon-street. Telephone 19S. Webster Bros., district agents. Insurances effected on the most favorable terms.—Advt.