SECOND EDITION. EXTRAORDINARY FIRE AT HOKITIKA.

Evening Star, Issue 3712, 15 January 1875, Page 3

SECOND EDITION. EXTRAORDINARY FIRE AT HOKITIKA.

[By Telegraph ] Hokitika, January 15, An alarming thunderstorm passed over the town last night. At ten o’clock the storm culminated in a quick succession of fearful flashes of lightning and loud thunder. One flash of lightning, resembling a big comet, or the popular idea of' a thunderbolt, was seen to strke the bell tower and Fire Brigade Hall, and in a few seconds the buildings were in flames. There were few people in the street, and a perfect deluge of rain at the time. No alarm of the fire bell could be given, as the bell was suddenly engulfed in flames. Both engines were got out, but the wood work of one was on fire. The lightning first struck the summit of the tower and the steel bell, running along the iron wire reaching from the tower to the engine-room. The Savings’ Bank, a small building, was saved with a struggle. The surrounding buildings were uninjured, and no person was hurt. Fox, the watchman, left the tower before the storm was at its worst. There was no insurance on the building, and the brigade are the only losers.