FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1769, 21 October 1879, Page 2

FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND, October 20. A serious fire broke out last night in the plumbing, gasfitting, and brass foundry establishment of Branston and Forester,, situated in a two-story brick block known as Masefield's Buildings, Albert street. Forester, who was sleeping on the premises, was awakened by the noise of falling plaster. The flames cut off his retreat to the staircase, but he dashed through them and gained the lower story in safety. The brigade and salvage corps were in prompt attendance. A high pressure of water being obtained the flames were quenched, though not before they had crept along the ridge to the premises of Reynolds, lapidary ; Field, painter ; and Tunny, Government analyst. Their loss, however, was trifling, for the salvage corps looked well after the property. The damage amounts to about £9OO. Branston and Forester's stock was insured in the New Zealand office for £1350, and the building by Masefield in the Royal for £IOO. The fire broke out in the lacquer room, where gas_ jets were kept burning from Saturday night to Monday morning. A fireman named Moreham had his wrist and left arm cut severely by falling slates, and fainted from loss of blood.