DISASTROUS FIRE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3142, 20 March 1909, Page 5

DISASTROUS FIRE.

HEAVY DAMAGE AT BULLS

POST OFFICE AND TOWN HALL DESTROYED.

By Telegraph—Press Association. MARTON, March 19. There was a most disastrous fire in Bulls last night. The outbreak originated in W. B. Clark's store next to the Post Office, and had a strong hold before the alarm was givn. A strong southeasterly was blowing, with steady rain, and the flames spread quickly to a blacksmith's shop, owned by J. E. Walker, and occupied by H. Green, to Thomas King's office and the premises of the Rangitikei Dairy Company. All were demolished. Efforts to prevent the fire spreading continued to be futile, and the flames reached F. J. Mansell's ironmongery and crockery'store, also the dwelling at the back ot the' premises! " The heat was terrific, an 1 soon tb.3 Post Office, a new brick building, was on fire, catching under the eaves. Streuous efforts were made to stay the progress of the flames, but were 'of no avail, for the whole of the interior was burnt, leaving the walls standing. '

By this time the buildings on the opposite side of the street were in imminent danger. Gorton and Son's premises ,and the Rangitkei Racing Club's office caught fire, but the" flames were extinguished by a bucket brigade. Every endeavour was made to save the Town Hall, but it was burnt to the ground, together with the adjoining shop and dwelling ownpd by G. Nicholson (bootmaker) and P. Paul. Nicholson's stock and equipments were saved. The building is insured for £165 in the Northern office.

Clark's shop was insured in the Victoria office for £SOO, and the stock in the same office for £I.OOO, and for £BOO in the South British. Clark is a heavy loser. The blacksmith's shop owned by Walker was insured for £125 in the National, and King's for £125 with the same company. The Town Hall was insured for £4OO [in the National ; Mansell and Son's bulk storeroom for £"465 in the Northern.