TAUPO.

Waikato Times, Volume 2188, Issue XXVII, 17 July 1886, Page 2

TAUPO.

I FROM OUli OWN CORBKSPONDKXT.] Taupo, July 14. On Thursday night the bell rang out the fire alarm. Nearly all hands turned out and found it was the old stoic belonging to Mr Joseph Gallagher. Mr J. E. Grace was the first on the ground, and burst in the door and tried to save some of the goods, but beyond some rope and a 501b. bag of flour could rescue nothing. The flames hnd too strong a hold, so nothing could be done but t« stand and watch them consume everything. The night was cloac and very calm ; not a breath of wind. The store stood on the opposite side of the road from the new hotel and the drapery store, and the heat was barely felt on the verandah of the former. The old store was used for storing heavy goods, such as ironmongery, lamps, crockery, paints, flour, &c, and all heavy cases of goods not required in the drapery store. Mr Gallagher estimates his loss at £500 sterling. His insurance is only for £200, so ho is a loser to some extent. There has been a general exodus of storekeepers this week. Messrs Ellis, Asher, Blake, and Axford have closod their stores, and Mr Farmer has closed his billiardroom, so Taupo has resumed its status as before the Land Court. Even the agents are conspicuous by their absence. There is nothing fresh or remarkable as regards the spring Hand mountains.

A notice from the HeJensville Timbet Company appears in our advertising coltinws.