FIRES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9670, 8 December 1909, Page 5

FIRES.

By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, December 7. The well equipped flaxmill property of Charles Leech, Rangiora, was burned down thts morning. The fre was discovered about 9 o'clock at the back of the shed. The men beir.g at work in the front of the building did not observe the outbreak for some time, and the flames obtained a strong hold Although there was a good water supply and efficient fira appliances it was found impossible to check the progress of the fire. The stripping and scutching sheds were gu ted, and the engines damaged In addition to this half a t n of prepared fibre and ten tons of tow were consumed. The total damage ia estimated at about £I,OOO, and unfortunately for the owner the pro perty was not covered by any insurance About fifteen men have been thrown out of work. Mr Leech intends, to re-erect the mill as soon as possible. On Sunday night the residence of Westenra Bros., at Dunsaiidel, was burned down. The buildinc was ins red in the London, Liverpool and Globe Office for £4OO, and the «on • tents for £IOO, while the Londonand Lancashire office also had £250 on the building.