THE FIRE AT WANGANUI.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 253, 3 April 1875, Page 3

THE FIRE AT WANGANUI.

(From the Chronicle, 'March 27.) We give the following particulars of one of the most extensive conflagrations that has ever occurred in Wanganui, which broke out shortly after two o’clock on the morning of Thursday last in the shop of Mr Anslow, draper, Victoria Avenue. The alarm was given by the ringing of the fire bell at the station, and was shortly after taken up by the stockade bell; but the cry of “ Fire! firel” which was soon raised, was much more effectual in spreading the alarm than was the mere ringing of the bells, which soon ceased to sound. The fire originated in an upstair room of the building occupied by Mr Anslow, and was caused by the upsetting of a kerosene lamp, which it is stated he kept burning on account of a temporary indisposition from which he was suffering. So rapidly did the fire spread that within a very short time after the alarm was given, and before any opposing influence could be brought to bear, the whole building was one mass of flame, the fire having forced its way through the roof, the iron roofing curling up before the intense heat. Thanks to the recent heavy rainfall, the wells and tanks in the neighborhood were well supplied with water, although a week or two previously recourse was had to the river to obtain water for drinking purposes. The supply, however, although quite adequate to keep the available appliances in motion, was not sufficient to do more than temporarily check the progress of the flames. After considerable delay, one after another of the engines arrived on the scene in charge of amateurs, the fire brigade having been practically disbanded some weeks ago, in sequence of not receiving anything like adequate support. Although by this time the fire had obtained a complete mastery of buildings on either side of that in which it had its origin, yet the arrival of the fire engines did not seem to promise any speedy change in the aspect of affairs, those in charge not seeming to understand how to set about their work. At about four o'clock one engine was taken to the river, and half an hour later it was discovered that the hose would not reach more than half-way to the scene of the wreck. The No 2 engine was then connected with the first, and water pumped into it; but as the plug had been removed, the water escaped as fast as it was supplied, nor was the fact discovered until a considerable time was wasted, the escape of water being attributed to some defect in the hose. More time was lost in endeavoring to ascertain the whereabouts of the plug, which was at last found and fixed, and the engines opened play on the drapery and other goods piled at the roadside. Another blunder occurred with the Californian engine, the Comet. This engine was imported from California as being specially adapted for use at the back of premises and in such places as could not be reached by the larger ones. Unfortunately, those who had the engine in charge did not comprehend

this, and ran it down to the river; and when requested to bring it to a place where it would be of some use, the reply was, “Si and-so ordered us to take it down to th< river.” Ultimately it was brought back, but of course too late to be of much service. Rapid as was its progress, there seemed to be distinct pauses in the fiery march —a perceptible hesitancy on the part of the upward curling flames to leap and seize upon the adjoining buildings. This was no doubt due to the exceedingly moist state of the atmosphere, and had there been even a moderate but well-directed supply of water, one-half at least of the buildings might have been saved. It seemed as if the buildings were doomed to destruction, all favorable circumstances to the contrary notwithstanding. A great crowd had speedily assembled, and large numbers of willing hands were working with energy and zeal —some in retarding the work of destruction, others in assisting to remove to a place of safety the stock and furniture of the shops and dwelling-houses in the immediate vicinity. Seldom have we seen so large a body of workmen acting with such coolness and decision under circumstances of excitement, as was manifested by those who were employed in the removal of the stock of the endangered houses. The post and telegraph offices were in very great danger, and it was at one time thought impossible to save them. Indeed, it was in great measure owing to the determined efforts of a small number (some of whom were officials of the office) who had mounted on the roof, and a few others from below, who, despite the scorching heat and clouds of smoke, remained plying the walls of the building with pailful after pailful of water. One of the operators, with commendable forethought, armed himself with blankets off his own bed, and protected the walls of the office therewith. Fears were entertained at one time for the buildings opposite, on account of the intense heat thrown out by the fire, and the walls of the Rutland were kept cool by the copious application of water. Danger also threatened the block of buildings immediately below the post-office, from the clouds of fiery particles carried along by the rising wind. Fortunately, most of the buildings in this block are iron-roofed, and the danger was thereby averted. The buildings consumed, with the insurances effected thereon, are asunder;—T, Anslow, draper (in which the fire originated), insurance not known ; J. Barr, draper, building insured in the National for £2OO, stock partly insured; J. Bain, baker and confectioner, building and stock insured in the South British for £BOO, and in the Standard for £4OO ; J. Anderson, cabinetmaker, stock and building (including P. Loftus’ premises) insured—National, £6OO ; Norwich Union, £200; Dr Samuel’s building insured for £3OO in National ; D. M. Hogg, Victoria, £2OO ; Mr Testar’s stock was, we understand, uninsured. The various insurance companies lose as follows ;—National, £llOO ; South British, £BOO ; Standard, £4OO ; Norwich Union, £2DO ; Victoria, £2OO. About six o’clock Mr Anslow was placed under arrest on a charge of arson.