DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2433, 14 February 1888, Page 2

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

(ISY TELEGRAPH—I'RKSS ASSOCIATION.) Carterton, Monday. At about one o'clock this morning a destructive fire broke out in the vacant premises at the corner of Belvedere Road and High-street, lately occupied by P. S. Macdonald. When discovered the flames were issuing through the side windows of the building. Tho lire spread with lightning rapidity to the adjoining buildings, Mr F. H. Wood's auction mart and T. Barnard's recently-opened watchmaker's shop, and proceeding 011 its course with unabated fury it caught LinImp's chemist shop and the Town Hall. The latter having a shingle roof, ignited at the same time. Cutt's tobacconist shop and bathrooms next to the hall, being the end of the block, were last destroyed. A number of other buildings had a narrow escape. The origin of tho fire is at present unknown, but appearances lead to the suspicion ot incendiarism. The value of the property destroyed is estimated at £11000. Some of the sufferers are left hoincles-. Insurances, so far as can at present be ascertained, are: —McDonald, £500 in the Colonial Mutual, and £200 in the New Zealand Insurance Company ; F. H. Wood's auction rooms, £200 in the South British ; T. Barnard's shop, £100 in tlie South British ; Lindhop's, £400 and stock in the South British ; Town Hall, £500, office unknown ; . Outt, £200 in tho South British. Buekeridge's stock and furniture were considerably damaged by water and removal.