BIG FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2708, 12 January 1910, Page 4

BIG FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

NEW ZEALAND EXPRESS CO.'S BUILDING BURNED. [Pint Press Association. 1 DUNEDIN. Jan. 11. _ The New Zealand Express Company’s three-storey brick building, facing Wain’s hotel. Manse Street, was burnt - to the ground early this morning. The Princess Theatre had a narrow escape, the wind having fortunately died away. The lire was discovered at half-past three, and apparently was then confined in the second story at the end C? the building adjoining R. Dickison’s restaurant, though it had a good hold. When the brigade arrived the whole of the left portion cf the building was enveloped, and as there was a fairly strong nor'-wester blowing, fear was felt- for the safety of the whole block, extending to the corner of Stafford street. Tho roof of Dickisou's restaurant caught on several occasions, and three bedrooms \\ ere reduced to ruins. Luckily the wind died down, which confined the fire in the later stages within the four walls of the Express Company's building itself. The sparks ignited a number of crates containing empty bottles, stored by Powley and Keast, in a section in Stafford Street, adjoining their bottling stores, doing damage to the extent of £ooo. Thomas Brown, owner of the Express Company buildings, had a policy of £2500 in the New Zealand Company and one of £IOO on the fittings in the same office. Howisou, who leased part of the ground floor, was insured for £llOO in the Royal Office. Fairburn. ■ manufacturer’s agent, was insured for £loo. on goods, in the Royal office. _Foster, representing Roberts. Ltd., llau insurances of £7OO in the Alliance office, and of £BOO in the Commercial Union office. Four travellers, who had used the premises for stocking samples estimate their joint loss at £3OOO. They are: Steele (representing Dawson and Mauds, ley, of Wellington, Gatson (who has a number of Home agencies), Fotliergill, and S. [Martin. C .. Later. —The total damage by the fire exceeds £IO,OOO. Ross and Glendinning’s hat factory, in Stafford street. * was damaged t-o the extent of £SOO. It is covered by insurance. The total insurances are approximately £7OOO.