FIRES.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1698, 30 July 1879, Page 2

FIRES.

FIEE IN EILMOEK STEKET. At half-past two this morning a fire wag observed in a shed attached to Messrs Walters and Oo.’s furniture workshops situated in Ealmoro street, near the Normal School. The flames speedily communicated with the main building, which contained a large quantity of dried timber, flax for mattress making, &c. The alarm was given, and with commendable speed one of the engines was at work, but the flames had spread so rapidly that the whole building was almost immediately a mass of flame. The exertions of the brigade were directed principally to confining the fire to tho one building, in which they were successful. A quantity of timber lying in the vicinity was also saved. Messrs Walters will be very heavy losers by the fire, as they were totally uninsured. The building contained engine and machinery to the value of over £SOO, and manufactured furniture and material worth £ISOO more. To all appearance tho fire was caused by an incendiary. FIEE IN CATHEDEAL BQTJAEE. A narrow escape from a disastrous fire took place in Cathedral square last evening. About twelve o’clock, Mr H. Scott was passing through the square when he noticed a light, apparently in the yard of Dalgety, Nichols and Co. He passed on, but returned, and he then found the light had gone out, but there was a great smoko. He then returned to the square, when he met Constable Daly, to whom he communicated what he had seen. They both went back, crossed the fence, and got into the yard. They went into tho stable, from which the smoke issued, and the entrance to which was blocked by a large door laid against it. There they found a heap of smouldering straw. There was a strong smell of kerosene, and underneath the straw they found a full tin of the same oil. At this time the straw had mostly burned away, but the manger wag on fire, as also a part of the roof, and the wall was much heated. They succeeded in extinguishing all traces of fire without assistance. The stable referred to is attached to the main building, and had the fire gained headway a very great destruction of property would have ensued. It will be seen from the circumstances narrated that the fire can scarcely have been caused accidentally.