THE DUNEDIN FIRE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 219, 24 December 1910, Page 5

THE DUNEDIN FIRE

A 'MYSTERIOUS OUTBREAK. By Telegraph.—Press Association, i Dunedin, Last Night. The methods of the fire brigade at Thursday night's fire are adversely criticised. Quite eight minutes dapsed before the brigade reached the scene after the outbreak, and when they got there they directed their attention to saving the Brydone Hall, which was quite hopeloss. The inefficiency of the fire appliances is severely condemned, the hoses being very leaky. Through, a wall collapsing, John Knudson, residing at Kaikorai Valley, received injuries to his back, but they are not serious. John Applegarth, a resident of Kensington, fractured his leg, and received an injury to his back. Little, a railway employee,., was injured in the head and leg, but was able to walk home. All those in the hospital are doing well. The earliest arrivals on the scene declare that Brydone Hall was ablaze from end to end, and the noise of the fall of the roof was distinctly heard at Kensington. Included in Chambers and Son's stock in the basement were 120 barrels of oil, which burned with great fury, defying the efforts of the firemen for a considerable time. The origin .is inexplicable, because, though it is clearly established that the fire started in the old skating rink, no one had been working there, and nothing inflammable was stored in that part of the premises. Mr. Short, Chambers' manager, who was working, says that shortly before nine o'clock lie heard timbers fall, but went on working till the noises came right overhead. Then he went outside, and was astonished to find the entire upper part of the building a mass of flame. The Agricultural Society lost the whole of their trophies. THE TOTAL DAMAGE. Dunedin, Yesterday. The total damage caused bv the 'fire is estimated at £30,000, of which twothirds is covered by insurance. The Coroner will hold an inquiry into the origin of the fire. If your property is not insured call at or rine up the United Insurance Company, Ltd., Devon-street. Telephone 198. Webster Bros., district agents. Insurances effected on the most favorable terms.—Advt.