FIRE.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1352, 14 June 1878, Page 3

FIRE.

Shortly before eight o'clock last evening dense volumes of smoke in the streets of the city gave warning of a fire, and in a short time the°hells of tho brigade stations began to ring. The fire was then seen to bo in an easterly direction, and was subsequently ascertained to be the Pacific House, a large timber-built house, situate in Hereford street enst, close to its junction with Barbadoes street. The fire was first discovered by a resident in the neighborhood, and it was then breaking out from the kitchen in the rear of the building. The alarm having been given, Mr Hulbert, who resides close by, and others broke into the house, which was locked up, with a view to saving the furniture, &c, if possible. At this time the fire was confined to the back portion of the premises. The persons who had entered found little or no furniture in the house, the bedrooms, &c, having been partially cleared of their contents. The Fire Brigade were on the scene with commendable alacrity, and the steamers proceeded to the sumps at tho Gloucester street School, from which a very good supply of water was obtained in a short, time. The house to the eastward, which was contiguous to tho one burnt was empty, Professor Ayers having vacated it a day or so before. The wind being from the east fortunately drove the flames away from it, but at times there was every appearance of its catching also. To the westward, Mr P. Duncan's cottage fronting on Barbadoes street was for some time in danger, owing to the showers of sparks and large pieces of fire carried ou to the roof by the wind. Indeed the roof was on fire several times, but by the exerti >ns of the neighbours in carrying water, spreading wet blankets, &c, until the water from the engine came, tho fire on the roof was extinguished before any material damage was done. As socm as tho water was got into full play it was seen that no danger existed beyond the building in which the fire originated. One line of hose was directed by Mr Superintendent Harris on to the building to the eastward, and the other on Mr Duncan's cottage, which effectually prevented any spread of the fire in either direction. A far a 3 could be learned from inquiries made, Mr Rogers, the owner of the house burnt, left it locked up the morning preceding the fire, and had not been seen there at all yesterday. Nor was, as far as the residents in the neighbourhood knew, anyone in the house during yesterday. The house, which was entirely destroyed, was insured in the New Zealand, South British, and Standard offices for £I2OO in all. The regultr police under Inspector Hickson, and the Fire !'■ tice under their officers were early on tho ground, and rendered every assistance.