FIRE IN DEVON STREET

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 238, 6 April 1912, Page 4

FIRE IN DEVON STREET

PREMISES GUTTED. Shortly before seven o'clock last night an oiitlbrcal- <>■ fire occurred in Devon 51;v,.l i.i iiu- premises occupied as a registry office and confectioner's shop by J. Burke. The lire, which had a big hold when discovered, originated in a, back living-room, in which a short time previously the occupants had left a (ire burning with a kettle over it. Under Captain F. C. J. Bellringer the brigade soon had three leads of water directed on the flames and the adjoining shops. The building, which was an old wooden one, burnt like matchwood, and was almost completely gutted by the time the fire was subdued. The fire also entered the back portion of the lock-up shop of Mr. P. von Lulbbe, piano and music agent. This was much damaged by smoke and water, besides which Mr. von Lubbe, who was uninsured, lost stock to the amount of from £l2 to £ls. The pianos, which are the property of Mr. F. J. Pinney, of Wellington, were insured, but excepting a slight wetting, escaped through being removed very soon after the alann was sounded. The building occupied toy Burke was the property of Mr. Brown, of Leppcrton. Von Lubbe's shop isowned by Mr. E. Griffiths. Both are insured, but the details were not ascertainable last night. Burke has an insuranee of £7O on his furniture, fittings and stock. Credit is due to the brigade, aided by a splendid water pressure, for saving the premises on either side of Burke's from destruction.