FIRE AT PORT LYTTELTON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 38, 23 December 1879, Page 4

FIRE AT PORT LYTTELTON.

At 2.30 on Sunday, a disastrous fire broke ont at west end of Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, in Mr. Pope’s blacksmiths’ shop. There was a strong northerly wind blowing at the time, driving the flames across Mr. Wood’s coal and timber yard, and they quickly communicated with a cottage occupied by Mr. Loader, who had a narrow escape in getting out with his family, one of the children having been gallantly rescued by a member of the police*lorce. Pain’s store was the next to ignite but before this the fire brigade had arrived, and with hose attached to the hydrants on Norwich Quay, and in Durham street, quickly had a good force of water playing on the buildings. They had very little success owing to the wind, but the tug-boat Lyttelton soon appeared at the quay, and with the powerful steam fire engine she is fitted with, soon had a couple of streams directed at the blazing buildings, which jeon assisted the Brigade in their efforts towards annihilating the fire, which was mastered by 4.30. The following are the insurances as nearly as can be ascertained : R. Wood, L 950, on stock and buildings ; insured in the South British Insurance Company. Buildings and stock destroyed; very little stock saved.

John Pope, L 835, on building, machinery', tools, Ac., in Liverpool and Lancashire Insurance Company. Building entirely, destroyed, and machinery, tools, &c., damaged by fire.

James Bain, L3OO, on stock in Colonial Insurance Company ; L#l2oon building in the Sun Fire Office. Building destroyed by fire. Stock partly saved. Harvey, Hawkins and Co., L2OOO, in Colonial Insurance Company on store and contents. Contents damaged by water. Parts of tho above amounts are reinsured in other offices.