FIRES IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 205, 18 January 1913, Page 5

FIRES IN CHRISTCHURCH.

SUSPECTED INCENDIARISM. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. Early this afternoon a fire broke out in the furniture and bedding factory of Messrs. Holmes and Sons, at the corner of High ami William streets. The contents and building were destroyed. The outbreak is said to have resulted from an employee tramping on a match, which set a bale' of kapoc on fire. The bale was taken into the yard, but it was not found possible to get the fire out. The brigade was smartly on the scene, and got a good supply of water on the flames. There was a large quantity of kapoc, which is most inflammable, and other bedding material, and despite a plenteous supply of water played on the flames the fire was not got under till the interior of the factory and shop were completely gutted. There was a large quantity of kapoc along the wall dividing Messrs. Holmes and Son's shop from that of Mrs. Lucy Croze, tobacconist, and the flames were communicated to Mrs. Croze's shop. The fire also spread to a four-roomed cottage in William street, almost behind Messrs. Holmes and Son's shop and factory, and some damage was done to the building and contents. The block is the property of Mr. Hugh Cassidy, and is insured in the Standard Office for £GSO. Messrs. Holmes and Son's stock is insured in the Phoenix Office for £3OO. Tile property was also insured.

To-day the detectives have been engaged in Investigating an outbreak of fire in Idris road, Papanui, early on Thursday morning. They are at present very reticent, and will »ay no more than that the fire started in four separate places, and apparently in such a way that it appeared to be a matter of design rather than of accident.

At 10.30 last night a cottage in Haselden road. Sydenham, was. found to be on fire. .The brigade was able to subdue the outbreak. At 3.30 this morning a fresh fire started, and the place was destroyed completely. A man had been in occupation of the house, but had left about midday. The whole circumstances were so suspicious that the Sydenham police handed the matter over to the city detective office, which is following up the matter carefully. °