FIRE IN CASHEL STREET.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1372, 9 July 1878, Page 2

FIRE IN CASHEL STREET.

About half-past four this morning it was discovered that a three-roomed house at the corner of Cashel and Durham streets used as a second-hand furniture shop, and occupied by Mr Charles Martin, was on fire. The alarm was at once given, and the police were promply on the spot speedily followed by the Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Harris. The brigade brought all their plant, but did not find it necessary to use more than one engine. The house being close to the river, there was an abundant supply of water, and the building being of very slight material, did not offer much food for the flames. The damage done is to the stock, and is estimated at £OOO. Mr Martin was insured in the Transatlantic Company for £250, and is consequently a heavy loser. Ho was at Oamaru last night, but his wife was on the premisrs, and states that she last evening left a fire smouldering; in the grate. As the great body of the flames when first noticed was near the chimney, there can be litfctle doubt that the fire originated from the accidental fallicg of a live coal on to the floor. The house was the property of Dr. Prins and uninsured. The efforts of the brigade were confined almost entirely to cooling the debris, amongst which was a considerable amount of iron bedsteads, &e. The adjoining premises (Mr Foster's shop) were injured to the extent of about £lO, but are insured in the Sun Fire , office. From the time of the first alarm being given till that of the fire being thoroughly mastered scarcely half an, hour elapeed,