FIRES AT DUNEDIN

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 218, 23 December 1910, Page 5

FIRES AT DUNEDIN

BIG BLOCK OF BUILDINGS GUTTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. A disastrous lire broke out shortly before nine o'clock this evening in the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society's big block, of buildings in Crawford street, and resulted in the structure being completely gutted. The fire had obtained an extraordinarily big hold before any warning was given, and defied all the efforts of the united brigades to subdue it. The buildings were confined by four brick walls, extending from Crawford street through to Vogel street, and having a frontage of about 70 yards. The upper portion, where the fire started, comprised Brydone Hall and Skating Rink, half of the lower floor being occupied by John Chambers and Son, machinery agents, carrying a stock of machinery and oilmen's stores, etc., to the extent of about £15,000, which is a total loss. The other half was occupied by Waters, Ritchie and Co., grain, seed and wool merchants, who carried about £SOOO worth of stock of grain and seed, which is a total loss. Portion (about £2000) was their own stock, and the remainder belonged to clients of the Otago A. and P. Society. Bray Bros., the National Electric and Engineering Company, John Chambers,' and Harraways, Clark and McAra's offices were in the front of the building. Insurances on the building'were: South British, £3IOO, New Zealand, £1000; Victoria, £1000; Standard, £500; North British, £1000; Queensland, £4OO. On the stock of Waters, Kitchie, and Co., London and Lancashire, £1000; Alliance, £1000; Queensland, £500; Liverpool, London and Globe, £IOOO. There is some doubt with regard to the lastmentioned item. John Chambers and Son's stock was insured in the cial Union for £6200. Graham, of the South Dunedin Bri.gade, sustained a broken ankle, a broken nose and internal injuries, and a civilian also was hurt, but the nature of his injuries is not known at present. ANOTHER BLAZE. Dunedin, Last Night. Another fire broke out about 11.15 p.m. in Taines' chemical stores in Crawford street, some' 300 yards south of the big fire in the A. and P. Society's Buildings. The lire started in a back room in the top storey, and was suppressed without much difficulty, the damage done being comparatively small. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is not supposed that it was caused by a spark from the big fire, as the wind was blowing in the contrary direction. unascertainable to-night. If your property is not insured call at or ring up the United Insurance Company, Ltd., Devon-street. Telephone 198. Webster Bros., district agents. Insurances effected on the most favorable terms.—Advt.