Firemen won a grim two and a-half hour battle against fierce heat, choking black smoke and boiling water at the seat of the fire which was in the store-room at the back of the shop.
Nearly all the stock in the building was burned or severely damaged by heat, smoke and water. The inside of the shop was a shambles.
A spokesman for McKenzies in Wellington said last night it was anticipated damage would be about £150,000. A full inspection would be made today.
Stock and building were "probably fully insured," an insurance assessor said last night but details of the cover would not be available from the insurance companies concerned until this morning.
The fire had a strong hold but excellent fire-fighting tactics prevented its spreading to shops on either side.
All available city and suburban firemen, including those off duty, were rushed to the burning store.
Brigadesmen fought the blaze on four fronts: From George street, from St Andrew street, from an alley-way off Filleul street and from the roof-top.
Firemen attacking the seat of the fire in the fiercely burning store-room showed courage and determination. With no breathing apparatus, they were repeatedly forced back by the choking smoke and fumes.
But time after time, manhandling hoses, the men staggered back, coughing and retching, to relieve their mates inside.
The weary firemen finally won their battle at the trouble spot, and at 8 o'clock Mr Hardy was able to say triumphantly: "It's out."
The blaze attracted crowds of onlookers, and police were busy keeping curious bystanders from getting in the way of firemen. Several times constables moved people along the street away from the front of the building.
Although the fire did not spread to shops next door, Exclusive Mantles suffered heavy water and smoke damage. Flames licked the side wall, which was damaged to some extent.