FIRE IN LYTTELTON.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 930, 18 June 1877, Page 2

FIRE IN LYTTELTON.

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE EXPORT SHED.

At 2 a.m. yesterday, as Constable Devine, who was on duty, patrolled Norwich Quay, he smelt fire from the direction of the wharves and at once proceeded in that direction. He perceived a light in the wharf office at the end of the export shed, and on looking through the window found that the wall near the clerk’s desks was on fire. There was no one within call, the night watchman being at the other end of his beat on the Gladstone Pier. The constable at once made for the firebell, and, after ringing a good peal, was soon relieved by new comers and again ran to the scene of fire, which was still so small that a dozen energetic men, with appliances, might have stopped its further spread, However, neither men nor appliances were there, though a few minutes after Messrs Webb and Makeig, who had been busy with the Margaret Galbraith’s clearance, appeared on the scene. By this time the fire had got such a hold, both of the office and adjacent shed, that nothing but a powerful fire-engine could have put it under. The Brigade and Fire Police turned out with commendable celerity, and twenty minutes after the first alarm a crowd of people had assembled, and the Lyttelton hand engine was soon at work, but all it could do was to play upon the corrugated iron and keep wet the adjacent stores, for the flames, driven directly through the shed by the westerly wind, roared along beneath the wood-work of the platform, and were soon utterly beyond the control of the limited appliances at hand, which were simply the small engine and three dozen buckets belonging to the railway, several of which were, however, useless, as no lines were attached to them, consequently they could not be used for drawing water from the sea. The station master, Mr Bradley, and many of the railway employees were, we need hardly state, speedily at the scene of the conflagration, and Mr Bradley decided that the best thing to be done was to save the railway accounts and documents, which were located in Mr Rich’s office, at the opposite end of the shed to the wharf office where the fire commenced. Thanks to the energy displayed, all these accounts were deposited in a place of safety, thereby saving endless future complications. But, besides the documents, twelve loaded trucks and some flour, cheese, bacon, and butter were got out before that end of the shed caught, though the dense smoke rendered the task a difficult one. About 3.45 a.m. the last of the shed fell in, and from that time it was apparent that the worst was over, and that the fire could be prevented from spreading along the breastwork to No. 2IV harf, which at one time was in extreme danger. Inspector Sowden and his men were now employed in pumping water over the burning ruins and keeping the fire within limits. Their efforts were unremitting and successful. At 7.15 a.m. Superintendent Harris arrived from Christchurch, with the brigade and the Government steam fire-engine, and, relieving the Lyttelton men (wh : were well nigh worn out with their night’s work), in a short space of time quelled the remainder of the flames. His Worship the Mayor was on the ground at an early hour, and, with Dr. Donald, did ail be could to forward the work. Captain

McLellan, Mr Bradley, and many other gentlemen, were unremitting in their exertions throughout. The export shed was situated between No. 2 and No. 3 wharves, and was capable of holding more than 2000 tons. _ It was quite full on Saturday night, principally with potatoes, while there was a good deal of grain, and some bacon, cheese, and other produce. These goods, where not consumed, were of course terribly damaged, and their mercantile value must be small indeed. The damage done is estimated at about £IO,OOO. Various opinions are expressed as to the origin of the fire. It was rumoured during morning that the office had been ignited by sparks from the Luna’s chimney when she returned, but this idea is Serfectly untenable, for we learn from bn stable Devine that the fire originated in the building, and that the Luna’s fires were banked and all was quiet .'board that steamer for an hour at least before the fire was observed. It was also reported that the conflagration had originated through the office fire not having been extinguished when work ceased on Saturday, but we ascertained on inquiry that no less that six persons had visited the office after knocking off time, and all had noticed that the fire had been properly raked out. It is just possible that the rats, of which there are great numbers, may have ignited some stray matches. The office was full of papers and the timber very dry, so that the slightest spark would possibly suffice to set the fire going. Immediately the fire broke out, Mr J oyce, the telegraphist, tried to communicate with Christchurch, but though he continued his efforts for nearly two hours he was unable to get any response, so that any chance that existed of quelling the fire by aid from the city was of course at an end. The railway telegraph was also tried vainly, and eventually it was determined to send some men through the tunnel. They reached Christchurch between 4 and 5 a.m., but, according to their report, had considerable difficulty in procuring aid. On finding Mr Harris’s house, however, he at once proceeded to the station. Members of the brigade were speedily roused, and at 6.30 all were prepared to proceed to Lyttelton, but here another hitch occurred. The keys of the Government fire engine house were not to bo procured, and great delay was experienced in obtaining them, so that it was 7.15 a.m., or exactly five hours and fifteen minutes from the first alarm, before they arrived at the scene of action. After the engine was placed into position a still further delay was experienced, for in consequence of the length of time since it was used the feed pipe would not work, and it was only by pouring water through the engine that it was at last brought into use. As soon as the immense streams of water thrown by this splendid engine fell on the burning debris, it became apparent that had she arrived within a reasonable time from the first alarm, thousands of pounds worth of valuable property might have been saved. It was determined after the Orphanage fire that a man should sleep at the Christchurch office in case of an urgent message from Lyttelton, but as we understand there is no alarm, his sleeping on the premises was perfectly iiseless. Besides this means of communication two shunting engines are constantly at use in Lyttelton, and a house has been built for the accommodation of one of these. In order, however, that every means of communication may be cut off, both of these are sent to Christchurch every night. Had the wind been from another direction, Lyttelton might have been burnt before assistance arrived from Christchurch. It is a matter of great congratulation that the fire was not more extensive than it was, and it is to be hoped this warning will suffice and that in the future proper precautions will be taken. Had the water supply been through it is probable that the fire might have been extinguished before spreading to the shed, so we hope no efforts will be spared to complete this necessary work without any delay. The Lyttelton Fire Brigade were to watch the embers last night in case of danger arising. Mr Lawson was down making enquiries into the matter yesterday, but we have not heard what transpired.