Destroyed by Fire

Nelson's Store Completely Destroyed by Fire

From Our Own Correspondent APIA, June 4.

THE worst fire for many years occur red at noon on May 31 when the large business premises of Messrs.

O. F. Nelson & Co., Ltd., at Matafele.

Apia, were completely destroyed. The origin of the outbreak is being investi gated by the police. It is believed to have started in the garret, where stocks of glassware and hardware were kept but was not discovered by the staff until it had taken a firm hold.

A large crowd gathered during ttr lunch-hour to watch the huge store and office buildings turning into a raging sea of flames and smoke.

Police and voluntary helpers vainly attempted to fight the fire with the pitifully inadequate fire-fighting equip ment at their disposal. The only pump available was out of order and did not provide sufficient pressure to reach the fire. The wind fortunately was not strong and damage was confined to Nelson’s main business premises. Within one hour the whole of the wooden had burnt down to the ground and only the two storeyed concrete strongroom re mained standing.

The building and stock are believed to be fully covered by insurance; the busi ness in the meantime is being carried on in emergency premises and new buildings will be erected in concrete as soon as possible.

By notice in the Western Pacific High Commission Gazette of April 2, the new administrative centre of Honiara, in Guadalcanal, is proclaimed a first port of entry for the British Solomon Islands.

The Customs House store rent is fixed at 1/8 per ton.