Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 6, Issue 6, 2008

Details:

page 36

Details:

Fire began about 12.30 am in the kitchen at the rear of Stallard's boarding house and, fanned by 'a steady breeze', destroyed seven buildings: Stallard's boarding house and baker's shop; Presbyterian Church and manse; Doyle's butcher shop and residence; Brame's Collingwood Hotel; the Institute building, including the Library (William St); Wigzell's store (William St). Miss Cottier's billiard saloon was gutted but the neighbouring Post Office was saved, though 'badly scorched and charred, and windows broken'. Losses were estimated at £15,000.

'Splendid team work' by the brigade had the fire under control in about two hours, and the water supply was described as 'excellent'. However, other casualties included Mr Coyle, manager of Wigzell's, badly cut after breaking through a glass door to rescue the business records. St Cuthbert's Church Minute book (1910–1930) and other Church records were destroyed as B. M. Stallard was Parish Secretary.