FIRES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 23 March 1926, Page 9

FIRES.

LYTTELTON HOTEL DESTROYED. By Tdoeranh —Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, March 22. The Mitre Hotel, at Lyttelton, was burned down this morning. The building was 50 years old, and when the flames. were discovered it iyas impossible for the brigade to effect a save. The wife of the licensee had to be assisted down the fire escape. Two other women escaped in their night attire. There were no boarders. The insurance was £2OOO on the building in the Phoenix, and £I3OO on the furniture and stock in the South British. DESTRUCTIVE GRASS EIRE. By Telejrraph—Press Association. BLENHEIM, March 22. A large grass fire occurred on tho Bankliouse station yesterday, destroying extensive pastures and plantations. Hundreds of fire fighters were out from Blenheim and the surrounding districts. Only a fortunate change in the wind saved the homestead. Further details of the Bankliouse fire show that 2000 tc 3000 acres of grass country were swept by the flames, which menaced tho homestead and station buildings. These were surrounded by big belts of pinis insignis, the fringes of which were burnt. As far as is known the loss of stock is not great, although sheep flocks suffered to some extent. FIRES ON WEST COAST. By Telegraph—Press Association WESTPORT, March 22. A fire early this morning totally destroyed a large house in Hector street, owned by Mr McAllister (gardiner). Wilson’s motor garage at Denniston, was totally destroyed by fire early this morning, togctlior with threo cars and two motor trucks. MOTOR CARS BURNED. By Telegraph—Press Association. HOKITIKA, March 22. A fire early on Sunday morning des. troyed Baty’s Garage, Weld Street, together with ten motor cars mainly private ones, including one belonging to Dr Begg (Wellington) and another to the representative of Messrs Niven and Co.. (Chrisohurch). Damage by fire and smoko was caused to the adjoining premises of Mr J. L. Turner (fruiterer) and Mrs T. Robinson (draper). The insurances include; Turner, stock and fittings £SOO in the Atlas; Mrs Robinson £l5O in the Commercial. Tho insurances on the private cars total £IOOO in various offices. The whole of the premises was owned ly William Robinson.