FIRE IN ASHBURTON.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1791, 17 November 1879, Page 3

FIRE IN ASHBURTON.

[Bt Tklhgbaph.] [fbom ottb own cobbbspondbnt.l ASHBTTRTON, November 16. The alarm of fire was giren at Ashburton shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, and it was aoon seen that some buildings in Tailored street were on fire. In some two and a half minutes after the alarm was given the fire engine was on the ground, but the fire had too firm a hold for any hope to be entertained of saving the premises on fire, so the whole efforts of the brigade were bent on confining it to the block in which, thanks to their own great exertions and that of many friends, they were fully successful. The block that was burnt consisted of a grocery store of Mr Fowler's, a baker's shop ocoupied by Mr Hicks, and a tinsmith's shop, where Mr Hydes carried on business. Mr Fowler was owner of Mr Hicks' building and his own, which was insured in the South British for £4OO. yn« stock was insured in the South British for £SOO and in the Liverpool and London for £2OO, and Mr Hicks' stock was insured in the London and Lancashire for £250. The building occupied by Mr Hydes was owned by Mr Amos, and insured in the Standard for £l5O. Mr Hydes had had his stock insured for £3OO, but had allowed the policy to lapse, and refused to renew for a halfpenny, so he is a great loser. Neither Mr Fowler nor Mr Hioks were well covered, but the formar had a narrow escape, as he only paid one of his premiums at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The premises were totally destroyed, but Mr Hydes' tools and a portion of Mr Hicks' furniture and Mr Fowler's stock were Baved. The buildings were between those occupied by Mr Chapman, the painter, and Messrs Orr's general store. Owing to the fact of there being no wind, the fire did not spread. Orr's buildings were only a few feet from the burning mass, and had it not been for the wonderful efforts made by those on the roof who had to hold wet blankets before them to save themselves, the building mußt have gone, and if it had, the store would have burnt, and very likely the Union Bank opposite, and in faot all the principal part of the town. The fire originated in Fowler's, and was first seen by Mrs Hyde in the upstairs part of the back premises. She gave the alarm to Mr Smythe, of Friedlander Bros., who ran to the fire-bell, but had hardly given one warning peal, when the rope broke, proving the necessity of having a strong chain for this purposo in future. The night being young, the brigade were speedily at their posts. The engine, which is stationed at eighteen chains from the fire, was tied behind one of Mr Mcßae's cabs, and so taken to the scene. The hose was made fast to the tube well opposite Anstee's Hotel, and the two branches played on the adjoining houses. The water lasted well, and, no doubt, the Council's wisdom in putting down these wells saved the best part of Ashburton. The Al Restaurant, opposite the shops, was at one time in great danger of catching fire, the glass being broken and the paint scorched by the heat.