THE HOSPITAL FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2101, 29 January 1908, Page 3

THE HOSPITAL FIRE.

CLEARING UP THE DEBRIS. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, January 28. Very little progress was made at tho Siinnyside Alental Hospital today in clearing up after the damage caused by the fire and water, at an early hour this morning in that portion of the building in which is situated the storeroom and bakehouse. YVhen the institution was visited by press representatives this afternoon, much of the debris had been removed, and cleaning-up operations were being actively proceeded with. From Dr. Gow, medical superintendent, it was learned that the fire was discovered by a convalescent inmate, who will be leaving tho institution in a few days. The window of tho dormitory in -which this patient was located was almost in a direct line with the spot where the flames became apparent. Knowing that the female night attendants would be up, the patient managed to convey the information to them, and soon the whole staff were at their appointed-stations. In all, four lines of hose were got o.ut with great promptitude, and an energetic attack was made on the flames. As to the actual extent of the damage, Dr. Gow could not give definite particulars, but stated that the officers of the Public Works Department had made au inspection pi the damaged portion of the building. Lt appears, however, that tho major portion of the damage was done to the store-room, which Was completely gutted, and portion of the roof over which fell in. The bakehouse was not insured. That the fire was just Stopped in time seems apparent from the fact that the flames had commenced to travel along,the roof and ceiling of the passage wny leading from the store-room, past the kite hen, to the dining-room, whence m a l probability if it bad not been checked it would have got to the' dormitories. Practically no dislocation of, ot interference with the internal economy and working of the institution has been occasioned by the fire, and mattors were going on as usual to-dav. It was necessary, however, to obtain a supply of bread from town for this evening’s meal. . '