THE WELLINGTON FIRE
SUGGESTED CAUSE.
LIGHTED CIGARETTE BUTTS.
(By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH. This Day
Victoria House was owned by Mr J. E. Williams, who has been visiting Greymouth. He left this morning on his return to Wellington. Mr Williams stated that he had an insurance of £20.000 on the building, with Lloyds, but no cover on the fittings and fixtures, which he valued at between £2OOO and £3OOO. The building was occupied by 16 or 18 tenants, who used the rooms mainly for showrooms. From advice received by telegram the fire apparently started in the top storey, and was caused by a cigarette butt. The custom was for the caretaker to go round the building at 4.30 p.m.. when the first tenants were closing up. and again at 6 p.m. On the second round the caretaker found cigarette butts smouldering on the top floor, and removed them,-but about 6.0 p.m. the fifth floor was found to be ablaze.
Asked if he intended rebuilding, Mr Williams stated that he did not know. It would cost £40.000 to £45,000 to rebuild. Recently ho had to spend £BOO on renovations, and to equip a portion of the building for Dental and Medical Supplies, Ltd.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1939, Page 6
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201THE WELLINGTON FIRE Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1939, Page 6
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