FIRES.

Evening Star, Issue 4081, 25 March 1876, Page 3

FIRES.

AT DUNEDIN.

An alarm was given at the engine station at 2.15 p.m. The engine-keeper and four members of the Brigade, who happened to be in the vicinity of the station, set off immediately for the scene of the fire, which was stables at the rear of the Peacock Hotel, Princes street south. Onarriving there it was found that the neighbors, assisted by a fireman who lives close by, had succeeded in keeping the fire under by means of backets of water, and a stream of water brought to bear on it soon effectually extinguished the fire. In passing Hope street on their return, the Brigade were informed that a fire had broken out in the roof of Mr Slesingcr’s house, eighteen inches from the chimney stack.. There was no appearance of defect in the chimney, so it is presumed that a spark from the chimney of Anderson’s flour mill might have alighted on and set fire to the shingles, which are very old.

AT THE PENINSULA.

A fire occurred at the Peninsula at five o’cldck this morning, by which Mr Christie’s house and stables were burnt to the ground. Two cows and the thorough-bred entire Master Morris were roasted alive in the stables. Master Morris was the property of the well-known Sam Powell.

AT MILTON,

[By Telegraph.] {From our own Correspondent.)

A large fire occurred at Milton last night, the whole, of the stables and outhouses at the rear of Atkinson’s Commercial Hotel, and Grindley and Son’s, butchers, being destroyed. The origin of the fire is not known. The fire is supposed to have commenced in a loft used by Atkinson. There was a high wind at the time, and a bad supply of water, so that it was a miracle that a thousand pounds’ worth of property was not destroyed. The fire was discovered ata quarter to eight. Both Church bells were rung, and the Milton Volunteer Fire Brigade turned out under Captain Fred. Bastings, and did good service by pulling down the wooden building connecting the fire with the adjoining property. But for these exertions the Commercial Hotel; Philp, Henderson, and Co.’s, auctioneers; Grindley’s, butcher; Stewart’s large drapery establishment and Soutter and Gray’s big store must have been destroyed. The fire was got under about eleven, but was smouldering this momin° r . The buildings destroyed, which belong to A. M‘Laren, of Milton, were insured for L3OO in the Norwich Union, for LIOO in the Victoria ; Stewart s, the draper, damage through removal is LIOO, covered by insurance in the New Zealand Company, Mr Atkinson loses L7O by the destruction of the store room, but he is covered by insurance. Gnndley loses LIBO by removal and destruction of goods by fire. Sputter and Gray’s big store had a small loss by removal. An inquest will probably be held. This narrow escape of valuable property shows the urgent necessity for a water supply and the Insurance Companies having been saved such heavy losses should contribute liberally to the funds of the Fire Brigade.