£30,000 Worth of Property Destroyed.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3876, 1 June 1881, Page 2

£30,000 Worth of Property Destroyed.

(Per Pbbss Association.)

TAUKANGA. Via Wellington, This day. v A great fire occurred, here last night. It. commenced at eight o'clock in. Mr Lee's shop on itbiß Strand, and with a southerly breeze it spread both ways, and in two hours it had cleared the whole block of buildings between Harrington and Hamilton streets. The flames flew over to the other side of Harrington street, and caught Mr Chad wick's shop, and from there it swept Mr Jordan's large grain stores, stacks of Hobartown: palings, and the Mechanics' Institute. The Government buildings btfd a narrow* escape, as they were enveloped in sparkland burning material, and the coals were' set on fire in the shed. ' .

When the fire broke out, the flames soon enveloped the whole of the front of the buildings, making it impossible to do anything to check its progress. The 'fire spread so rapidly that the occupants of the adjoining premises bad little time to save anything ; Wrigley's grain store and stables were saved. The places destroyed are Rhode's store and boot &hop, McKenzie's bearding house, j Fielding's shop, JM r Bonner, and Mrs Ellis, boot shop, and Mr Burra, stationery depot, also several, small dwelling houses. The Bay of Plenty Times have taken new offices in Spring street, and will stop only one issue, publishing on Saturday. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is supposed a kerosene lamp was left burning in the building and exploded, or set fire to goods hanging above. Mr Wrigley, who was uninsured, loses about £13,000.