SERIOUS FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1350, 24 September 1886, Page 2

SERIOUS FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

This morning’s Chris'chnrch papers report that a serious fire occurred lastnight in Colunbo ttreti, on the western side, in the block of buildings situated between Armangh and Gloucester street. The fire broke oat in the premises of Ur Silverton, baeketmsker, and spread to the premises of Ur -V. Longuet, hairdresser, on the southern side of those el Mr Fletcher, tailor, on the notherm. The Fire Brigade worked splendidly and although the Railway engine and another of the City engines ware laid up for repairs, and consequently only one engine was available, the Brigade prevented the fire from extending beyond the premises named, although the roof of Hearn Garrick sod Grswlishaw’s offices sstosHy caught fire; The fireman were loudly cheered by tbe spectators for their gallant and efficient services. Tbe damage done (says tbe Frets) may be summarised as follows:—Meaam Gairiok and Oowliahaw’a office, roof badly damaged by fire.intarior damaged dy water; Ur Lon rent’s shop, Ur Silvester’s shop and Ur Fletcher’a shop gutted. Mr Dallas’ shop escaped with bat trifting damaged. During the progress of the fire dense volumes of smoke filled the arret, rendering the work of the fireman very ardnoua. Toe much praise cannot be given to the men of the Brigade for the plocky manner tn which they worked throughout under the disadvantage of having only one engine to cope with whst might have been every serious corflagratlon, and which indeed, was of sufficient magnitude to tax their effirta to the ntmoa*- Special mention may be made of tbe which Mr Dallas’ shop was asved. Hrd it not been for the efficiency and abeer hard work of the Brigade at a most citioal portion of tbe fire, nothing could have saved the block,, as the buildings, have been erected some years there are no brek walls to atop the progress of the fire. The total inentancea are stated aa follow*, v*.— on buildings, £2;00 ; on stock, fomit are, etc., £2650.