HBH 1896 March 5 3 Telegraphic PAHIATUA Destructive Fire A fire broke out early this morning in the Temperance Hotel, occupied by Mrs BENZIE, AND OWNED BY Mrs RUSSELL of Palmerston North, which destroyed two shops, also a building occupied by Mr S. WEBB, tailor, and ROWLEY, hairdresser, both of whose stocks were uninsured, was destroyed, as well as three other shops, belonging to Mr T.C. WILLIAMS and occupied by Mr F. GRANGER, land agent, Mr J. SMITH, painter, and Mr W.S. FALCONER, cabinetmaker. The fire originated in the dining-room, but the cause is unknown. Preparations were being made for a banquet to be held tonight in the Temperance Hotel to celebrate the opening of three bridges. The Premier and the Hon. HALL-JONES, who were at Pahiatua, were going to be present. Several boarders lost almost all of their effects, and had a narrow escape of their lives.more then. only the exertions of the brigade was the Commercial Hotel and theatre saved. A high wind was blowing at the time.