ANOTHER FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1916, Page 8

ANOTHER FIRE.

CHECKED IN TIME. Shortly before 3.50 yesterday morning the fire bell rang out a vigorous alarm, and a- big reflection indicated that a serious lire was in progress, but, fortunately, this did not prove to be the ease. The outbreak, which occurred in the uppei storey of a building used by Mr. J. U. .Morris as a general store at the corner of Liardet and Devon Streets, was discovered by Mr. Doughty, custodian of the Central Fire Station, and the brigadesnien were almost immediately on the scene. The fire had not got a very big hold when discovered, but as tlie floor where the outbreak occurred contained a large quantity of inflammable material, such as mattresses, Imsketware, etc., the devouring element made rapid progress. The water supply, however, was most plentiful, and the brigade soon had the mastery, being successful in confining the (ire to.the portion of the premises occupied by Mr. Morris. Though clouds of dense smoke and steam continued to pour forth from | the window", all danger of a disastrous fire had been averted within fifteen minutes of the alarm being given. Apparently the fire started at the southern part of the upper storey, but its origin is inexplicable. Mr. Morris's large stock on the lower Moor was severely damaged by water, and the stock of Mrs. Pellew, who carries on a millinery business in the rooms facing Devon Street, also suffered severely from water. The damage \,o the stock of Mrs. Pellew and Mr. Morris is estimated, roughly, at about £l5O eacli. The building, which is owned 'by the Standish Estate, was damaged to the extent 01 about £250. It was insured for £7OO in the Commercial Union Office. Mr, Morris's stock was insured for £3OO in tlse South British office, and Mrs. Pellew had a policy of £IOO in the same office on her stock.