WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5074, 20 April 1885, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Yesterday. Heavy Gale—Exhibition Build-

tag Blown Down.

A heavy gale set in last night, and about 4 o'clock this morning half of the Exhibition Buildings in course of erection was blown dowu. The contractor estimates damages at between £400 and £500.

Destructive Fire at Wellington.

A most serious conflagration broke out last night, which resulted in the total destruction, of' James Smith's "Te Aro House." This establishment was one of the largest drapers' and clothiers' businesses in this city. About six o'clock last night, as one of the assistants was lighting the gas in the window, he accidentally set fire to some fabrics, which speedily spread And resisted all efforts to extinguish them. Immediately the flames were found to have obtained a firm hold, all the shutters were dropped to prevent draught, and the fire brigades were on the spot without delay, but cot iv sufficient time to stay the destruction of the building. It was raining heavily at the/time, and what stock was removed, if not damaged, by the water iuside the building, was destroyed by the rain. Owing to the insurance offices being doped, no c|?Sßite

information respecting the risk can bo obtained, but it is estimated that the building and slock is covor-d for £16,000, distributed over several i ffices.

This day. , The followingare the correct insurances on To Aro House and stock, as far as at present can be ascertained:—South British,£ll2s; Colonial, £1000; National, £500; New Zealand, £15P0; Liverpool, London," and Globe. £1000; Northern, £1600; United, £250; Union, £500; North British, £500; Hanseatic, £125; Victoria, £500; Fir-J Insurance Association, £500 ; Norwich Union, £500; Australian Mercantile, £750; Sun, £500; Hamburg-Madffebure. £500; Guardian, £1500 ; Fquitable, £750; London Office (name unknown), £1000. Total, £14 500.

" The Dafence Minister arrived here yesterday. His return was rendered necessary owing to business arising in connection ■ with the defence office accumulating, and requiring his immediate attention.