UNKNOWN

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 51, 2 November 1870, Page 6

UNKNOWN

A flry, the most disastrous that ever occurred in New Zealand, took place on the 24th October, at Lyttelton, at 10.30 p.in. The fire commenced at the Queen's Hotel, and rapidly swept over the whole block of three acres in area, destroying nearly one hundred houses. Many families are left entirely destitute. The Mayor of Christchurch sent a special train through, after some delay caused by the telegraph operator at Christchurch having left his office, aud through the total paralisation of the people of Lyttelton, fhe train took the steam fire-engine and Pire Brigade, together with the Hook and Ladder Company and Fire Police. On reaching Lyttelton, the Brigade found two-thirds of the town burnt down, but actively setting to work, succeeded in checking it in two hours and forty minutes. A strong N. E. wind was blowing at the time. The amount of loss is estimated at about £100,003: insurances cover £23,000. The mins have been visited by hundreds of people, the trains being full. It is not known how the tire originated, but it is rumoured that rather suspicious circumstances surround its origin.— Evening Star.