LARGE FIRE AT TAIHAPE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2439, 2 March 1909, Page 5

LARGE FIRE AT TAIHAPE.

THIRTEEN PREMISES BURNED

[Pkesß Association.]

WELLINGTON, March 1.

A message from-Taih ape states that a most destructive lire occurred this evening. A whole block in Main Street and Station Street was totally destroyed. Thirteen business premises were gutted. The lire started in Whaler Bros.’ bookshop, and’ spread rapidly to the right and left. Fortunately it was a calm night. The list of other premises gutted is as follows: McPherson, tailor; Nicliol, jeweller; Finch, stationer (double storey);Labor Department ;J. P. Aldridge, insurance agent; -Hautipo tea rooms; Whitcombe, dentist; Wong Kee, fruiterer; Jones, painter; Hodgson, plumber; Garner, seed merchant. Not a stick of timber *was left or the police sergeant’s residence, and the shops opposite were only saved by strenuous exertions. The Fire _ Brigade avas just proceeding by train, to Auckland for the demonstration,, but remained behind. Their services were of little use, no water being available. The insurances, as at present ascertained, are : Hodgson, £3OO in Norwich Union ; Whaler, £250, Australian Alliance; McPherson, £250, Australian AllianceNicholls, £3OO, South British; Garner, stock £2OO, building, owned by Mr. -Gibbons, £IOO, both in the Commercial Union; Whitcombe, stock £157, Commerical GmonyFnich £9OO on stock, valued at £ISOO, bun Office, on personal effects £SO Now Zealand Office. I flic loss ovei that is £l5O. Elbe and the largest business, is insured , Allfance Office, but the amount is not known. The progress eventually stopped '’f . ul f ce a, building adjoining the police rec tion.