Details:

Fire which began in the Institute building (William St) was noticed at 3 am by a guest named Bird staying at the Collingwood Hotel opposite. In half an hour both the Institute and the Library buildings were destroyed. The Druids Lodge had held a meeting in the evening and its Secretary H. B. Riley had stayed till midnight, working by candle, which he extinguished before leaving. Neighbouring buildings were saved by a bucket brigade of local residents in 'every variety of garment'. The cause was 'a mystery'.

The Institute, an old building (opened 1862), was a 'dumping ground' for 'nearly everything and everybody in the district'; the Library was a new building (1–2 years old) with a valuable collection. Specific materials destroyed included: Aorere Works Committee (of Collingwood County Council) records for 30 years (including the valuation roll and plan of work); Good Templars Lodge regalia and records; Foresters Lodge regalia and records for 25 years; Druids Lodge records (a new lodge); Collingwood Choral and Dramatic Society property; Collingwood Athletic Association records; brass band instruments (of the defunct Collingwood Brass Band); Sunday School Girls page 34Sewing Class materials and fundraising articles made over recent months; historical artefacts and mineral specimens in the 'Museum' (a glass cabinet).