FIRE AT PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3933, 2 October 1875, Page 2

FIRE AT PORT CHALMERS.

A fire occurred in George street, between two and three o’clock this morning, entire ly destroying tire shops of Mr Kobinsou, tlrap r, and Mr Bcott, tailor. Mr Sutton’s store had a very narrow escape, but his premises were only partially damaged. Shortly alter two o’clock, while Constable Coffey was on duty in George street, he ohserved smoko issuing from the roof of Mr Kobinsoa’s shop. lie immediately gave the alarm, but the shop and the adjoining one being built of wood, and there being no water at hand, the llames soon had a mastery over them. As soon as the altrm was gu en, Sergeant Is oil and other constables were on the spot with some civilians, who fetched water in buckets from the neighboring build and this was poured on the fire, which was raging fiercely. By dintoj arduousexertions ils further spread was soon stopped bufuotuntil the two buildings above named were destroyed. The fire is supposed to have originated from the fire-place in the back room, there bavin? been a tire there during the evening. Mr Kobinsou hj id only left the premises at about one o’clock when all seemed comparatively safe. Mr R .1 inson, who Lad a large stock in his phop, estimates his 1 >sa at L 2.000, which was uninsured. Mr Cameron estimates Lis loss by removal of f rniUire and damage by water at 1/200. The im uivures, as far as can bo ascertained at pres; at, are Mr Sco-t’s building, which was owned by Mr Thomson, L2OO. Mr

Sett’s stock, furniture, &0., L3OO, In the New Zealand Company. Mr Sutton's buildingLl,ooo, m the Northern, The premises occupied by Sir Robinson and Mr Scott were owned by Mr Kettle, and having only been just completed, were uninsured.

1 ortunately at the time of the fire there was no wind, and Mr Kettle’s (tore being built of stone stayed its progress, or no doubt the rest o: the block, which is built of wood, would have been destroyed.