FIRE IN WANGANUI.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1918, Page 4

FIRE IN WANGANUI.

FOSTER'S DESTROYED. • WAREHOUSE (JUTTED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Last Night. At an early hour this evening Foster's Hotel, a large three-storied building in Taupo Quay, was totally destroyed liy lire. The outbreak evidently started in on upstairs bedroom, and spread with great rapidity. When the town brigade arrived the building was a mass of flame. Assistance also came from the suburban brigades, and for over an hour a combined effort had to be mart" to prevent the fire spreading into the adjoining area. At one stage a boarding house on the opposite side of Taupo Quay caught alight. The fire spread into Ross and Glendining's warehouse, adjoining Foster's Hotel, and was not checked before considerable damage was done. Fosters Hotel was .crowded with visitors to the races, who lost their effects. Details of insurance are not obtainable, but it is understood then' is £8001) on the hotel building, and .tltfOO on the furniture, mostly in the London and Lancashire-Office. Jewellery belonging to guests, valued at .€3OOO, was in the hotel safe. Its fa*e. is unknown. Ross and Glendining's premises were mainly damaged by water. The insurance on the building is £2BOO in the South British Office. Further investigation proves that the whole of Ross and Glendining's second storey was completely gutted by tonight's fire, while the stock downstairs was soaked with water. Foster's Hotel was one of Wnnganni's land marks. Known as the York Hotel, it was established in 1857,.the name later being changed to the Steam Packet, and eventually to Foster's, the Foster family having owned it for 30 years.