Burning of an Asylum

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 4, 24 June 1890, Page 3

Burning of an Asylum

{Per Mail Steamer at Auckland.) The Lpogue Point Insane Asylum, siear Montreal, caught fire at abuut 10.30 on the morning of May 6th, and at 2 o'clock on the same afternoon was reduced to ruins. A detachment ol the fire brigade from Montreal did good service, but all to no purpose The fire originated in the middle wing of the structure, and terrible scene* followed its discovery. It is said that fully 220 patients perished in the flames, togather with seven of the nuns who ware in attendance on the insane. No power on earth coulc have checked the fire. At the win •dows were maniacs peering througl the bars, grinding their teeth anc jabbering until enveloped by flames when they were compelled to relea9< their holds and drop back to an awfu ■death. The grounds presented i scene never to be forgotten. There upon the wet grass, huddled togethei under cover of blankets, or wandering through the grounds with faces un touched by the horror of the time were those of the unfortunates whi had been taken from the burning building. Some lie down with ol< quilts for pillows, or hummed aiv which breathed a spirit of happiness More than a thousand helpless creat ur.es were gathered together withi: the enclosure, guarded by only on man. One young girl in the midst c the drizzling rain sat at a piano ii the grounds and played sweet music while the flames shot above htr. Th building cost one million dollars. The best talent procurable in the Co «nies will make their bows to Feildin audiences on Wednesday and Thursday July 2 and 3, in aid of the Feiiaing Fir Brigade.