FIRE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 382, 19 March 1880, Page 2

FIRE.

The inhabitants of Okain's Bay were aroused about two o'clock on Wednesday morning last by cries of " fire," and it was quickly discovered that the building from whence the flumes were proceeding was the Pier Hotel, owned by Mr Thacker. Every assistance possible was rendered, but it was of a very limited nature, and proved utterly ineffectual to stay the flames, and the whole building was, in a very short space of time, burnt to the ground. Mr Thacker, when he first awoke, found a peculiar smell of fire, and a most unusual degree of warmth, and on searching for the cause, the kitcuen room actually in a blaze, so that neither he nor his wife had time to save anything. There was no one else but themselves and their three children in the house at the time, all of whom, fortunately, escaped uninjured. The fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen, but it is hard to say whether it really did or not.

Close to the building was some 50 cords of firewood, belonging to Mr J. Robinson, storekeeper, which it was hoped might be saved, but it being to leeward of tho building and a strong breeze blowing, tho contrary was soon shown, and the firewood was burnt much more quickly than the owner had intended.

Messages came into town early in the morning, and Sergeant Willis and Mr llenuing, South British Insurance agent, proceeded to the spot. The building, furnit uro, and stock were insured in the South British for over £1200. We hear an inquest is not considered necessary.