FIRE IN PEEL STREET

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 14, 18 January 1901, Page 3

FIRE IN PEEL STREET

SECOND EDITION.

MB. TOWNLEY’S WORKSHOPS DESTROYED.

A destructive fire occurred in Peel street this morning, resulting in the total destruction of the large two-storied workshop of Mr J. Townley. The fire when discovered had a good hold, and in a few minutes the whole building was enveloped in flames, whilst the smoke arising from the fire was considerable. The fire was first seen by Mr Morell, the nightwatchman. He had walked down to the bridge and put out the light there, and on turning back saw the smoke. He immediately gave the alarm, and both the upper and the lower firebell rang out for some time, causing a great crowd of people to quickly gather in Gladstone road and Peel, street.

Tbb members of the Fire Brigade promptly arrived on the scene, but as the building contained such a great amount of inflammable material, their efforts to save it were from the outset hopeless, and they wisely concentrated their efforts on keeping the fire confined to the workshops.

This they were successful in doing, and although at one time the City Rink and other buildings adjoining were in danger of igniting, the constant playing of the hoses prevented this, and the were saved.

The building, which was very old, was uninsured, but there was a policy of £250 on the

stock in the Sun office. Mr Townley is a great loser by the fire, as there was a con" siderable stock in the building, and a large quantity of workmen’s and other tools.

The members of the fire brigade .were smartly in attendance, and did good work in confining the conflagration to the building’ and saving the adjoining houses. The pressure of water was, however, scarcely up to the mark.

Tho fire commenced at the northern end of the factory and spread very rapidly; A few moments after the alarm was given the flames burst through the roof, and it was not long before the fire had spread from one end of the building to the other.

By half-past five the destruction of th e building was complete, and the adjoining structures placed entirely out of danger. By this time tho crowd had greatly increased, and Sergeant Siddells and his staff rendered good service in keeping them from interfering with the operations of the brigade.

Tho cause of tho outbreak is unknown. i