FIRE IN MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5100, 10 August 1895, Page 3

FIRE IN MASTERTON.

Shortly before six o'clock last evening the Clmicb-strect (irobell ran!; out vigorously, and in spito of the pouring rain a large crowd soon gathered at the scene of the fire, which proved to bo the paint shop of the Masterton Blacksmith and Wheelwright Company. The,strong southerly wind drove the llames towards the oIKco portion of the premises and the upper part and contents were badly damaged before the Fire Brigades managed to get the lire under control. The Sccretuy (Mr W. 13, Chennoils) hail left for his residence on the Upper Plain some little time before the lire, but was soon informed of the occurrence, and speedily returned to town. Fortunately the safe and all important papers connected with Mr Cheimells' various public offices wore not injured, although he loses considerably by the destruction of stationery, office furniture, etc., over which there is no insurance. Plenty of assistance was available, but the dense smoke from the office, prevented the removal of the contents. The Blacksmith Company had a quantity of .stores damaged by lire and water, but the loss is not heavy, the promises being insured for £IoO, owl the vehicles, paints, etc., also, in the New Zealand Office, of which Mr Boys is the local agent. The lire first broke out in the partition between t he paint shop and office, ami appears to have been caused by a stove, the pipe from which ran through the partition into the chimney.