FIRE ON BOARD THE HIMALAYA.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 833, 23 February 1877, Page 3

FIRE ON BOARD THE HIMALAYA.

{New Zealand Times, February 16.1 About two o’clock tins morning the central firt-bell rang out its dreadful note, and gave all within hearing the tidings we all so much fi.ar, especially at dead of night, when more than at any other time our fears are sharpest It was not till some time after the fire-bell rang that those astir or roused from their beds by the noise were able to discover the whereabouts of the fire. Ou proceeding to the police station a few minutes after the first sound of alarm, our reporter heard that the fire was on the wharf, aud on going in that direction found that it was even so, the scene being on the Himalaya. From the hurried enquiries capable of being male, all that could be learned was that smoke was seen issuing from the main hold about one or half-past one o'clock, and upon this the crew were roused, and preparations made for extinguishing the fire, The hatches were taken up, and immediately an immense volume of smoke issued forth, the fire appearing to be smouldering down below. The ship’s bell was soon exercised, and those of the other ships were quickly set ringing ; the news of the misfortune to the Hima laya no sooner being communicated to the neighbouring shipping than plenty of willing hands wore found ready to lend sturdy assistance. Unfortunately the fire brigades were some lime before arriving, in consequence of the difficulty of being able to ascertain the direction of the fire, for it must be remembered that there was no sign of a blaze, and the night was too dark to see any smoke. A constable was despatched to communicate the intelligence to Captain Moss, and soon after the Centrals made their appearance with the hose-reol, followed a few minutes afterwards by the Wellington Brigade. The scene was an exciting one. The wharf was quickly crowded, for news flies faster than the wind, and the direction of the fire was soon known. Some time prior tq the arrival of the brigades, two hand engines had been at work, but with little apparent effect, the hold continuing to belch forth smoke ominously. The Himalaya had been unloading for some time, more than half her cargo probably being out. She brought general merchandise ia addition to iron.

For some time the general impression was that the fire was con6ne<i to the after part of the vessel, and the after hatch alone was opened, it being feared to open the main hatch, lest the admission of a current of air should fan the smouldering substance into a flame, and thus render extinguishment more difficult. But the main hatch was eventually uncovered, and the effect was precisely the same as in the other—the smoke broke forth densely. It was assumed, however, that it proceeded from the after part of the vessel, there being communication through. The brigades with their hose lent great assistance. Four branches played down the after hatch, but apparently with little effect. Several seamen went down to the upper hold, the fire being in the lower hold, they having lanterns with them, for the purpose of enabling the branch men above to direct the streams of water, which poured down incessantly, thanks to the energetic performances of the men at the hand engines on the wharf, who worked indefatigably. Alter a considerable while opinions, became conflicting (as they generally do by the way) as to what part of the vessel was on fire, and to make the position more clear, the carpenter of the Himalaya, who was down below, volunteered to go down to the lower hold, A rope waa lowered to him, and he descended, went down into the darkness and the suffocating smoko. He remained there some time, during which there was many an anxious thought for him. Presently the rope tightened, and he was hauled up to the upper hatch and the surface pretty well choked, being scarcely able to speak. He was unable to ascertain much, but from what he could see the fire was in the fore part of the vessel. There was nothing for it, therefore, but to keep up the stream of water in the hopp of deadening the fire, and this was dope accordingly. It had alinoat escaped ua to mention the services of the Armed Constabulary men, who were as usual prompt in attendance, and they worked like very Trojans. At half-pa»t three o’clock the smoke began to clear, and by four the fire was well under, although requiring to be watched. An accident happened to one of the Central Brigade men, who fell over the wharf during the fire, and one of his comrades went down and rescued him.