FIRE AT THE PORT.

Evening Star, Issue 3501, 13 May 1874, Page 3

FIRE AT THE PORT.

At one o’clock this morning, while Constable Nichol was on duty in George street, Port Chalmers, he noticed flames at the back of Dench’s Hotel. There being no tire-bell at the Port, the constable raised the alarm by striking his baton several times on an empty iron tank ami shouting ‘-Fire !” and then, proceeding to the spot, fount! that the fire was in an office occupied by Mr J. B. .Robertson. A large case full ot papers which was standing on the table was seen to be on fire, Sergeant JNeil, who came on the scene immediately afterwards, got the flaming case outside, but not before the tire had got a hold of the building. Fortunately there was plenty of water at hand from Dench’s Hotel, and the fire was soon got under. Ihe office is situated close behind Dench’s Hotel, and the Court-house and Post Office are close at band ; and, had not prompt measures been taken, the whole block of buildings would probably have been burned down, as a strong H.F. wind was blowing at the time. The fire is supposed to have origmatea from a lighted candle, which was standing on the table, being knocked over and setting tire to the papers in the case while Mr Bouerfcson was asleep. Praise is due to the constables and bystanders for tbe energetic manner in which the fire was extinguished. Apvopos, would it not be possible to establish a Fire Brigade at the Port? Institutions of such a kind are maintained in some of our upcountry townships, and surely the want is quite as pressing at the Port.