DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1485, 10 January 1882, Page 2

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

CiiRisTCHURCH, Saturday. Two seiious fires occurred here last night. Just after midnight the Union Bank of Australia in Hereford-street, a twostoreyed brick building, was discovered to be on fire in the top storey. Through the exertions of the Frre Brigade, and an abundant supply of water from the River Avon, the flames were confined almost to the floor where the fire was discovered. That and the roof were extensively damaged, while the banking chamber below has been injured by water. The chief officer, Mr Palmer, was absent on a holiday, two clerks being in charge. A second fire broke out while the other was in progress, in a sawmill and timber yard belonging to the Reess, situated in Lichfield-street. Though the river was close at hand, and the brigade aiTived quickly, the mill and machinery were completely destroyed. The owner states he is a heavy loser. The origin of both fires is a mystery. The last person on the Union Bank premises left about 7 p.m. All was then quite safe, and there had been no light anywhere near where the fire originated for a considerable time previous. The fire was extinguished about an hour after the engine was got to work, but broke out again between two and three o'clock, and great trouble was experienced in finally extinguishing it. The business portion of the bank premises is completely gutted, and operations of the bank are now carried on at Messrs Lewis and Goulds buildings, Cathedral-square. It is believed the fire broke out in the chief officer's room. Insurances : Union, L 200 0; Northern, Royal, and Imperial, Ll5OO each; London, Liverpool, and Globe, Ll3OO : total, L7BOO. > The fire at Reess occurred about the 1 centre ,of the premises, where the fire was never used.' Six horses were saved -With great difficulty. At both firesthe brigade, prevented the, flames .from spreading, to > adjoining premises; J /-•■--'' r ; - 3?h&~ total insurances on Bees', property jp L 2750; • all- iri . the/ New Zeab,n<Toffice. « /It lslestimated that ttie damage^amounts . fojLZDQOs 1 i-£ r £«s# -w.-i.^"rt~V s ribt so.nauchinjured^asTexpecteii." >* Tldei - Jotaliiesjimateaj qaja^gei from -the *