FIRE IN DURHAM STREET.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1925, 26 April 1880, Page 3

FIRE IN DURHAM STREET.

Shortly after twelve o'clock yesterday the Lichfield street firebell pealed forth an alarm, occasioned by a fire in Durham street at its junction with Tuam street. On enquiry it appeared that the conflagration, whioh spread to some adjoining buildings, originated in the premises of Mr Richard Walker, bootmaker, and had taken a firm hold of the building before the brigade had time to be of any material service, this being caused chiefly by a high southerly wind prevailing at the time. The flames soon spread to an adjoining building, occupied by Mrs Walker, a widow, and sister-in-law to Mr Walker above-named, the wind carrying the flames in the direction of a block of wooden buildings, of which Mrs Walker's house was one. The last-named building was [soon consumed, notwithstanding the efforts of the brigade, who were as usual prompt in their duty, and the fire next took hold of a small cottage, also belonging te Mr R. Walker, and rented by James Stewart, who is employed on the railway, but who at this time was absent at Bangiora. The fire also spread in the direction of Tuam street East, nearly burning another cottage belonging to Mr Walker. But, at this stage, its progress was arrested, which is Baying something for the energetic action of those engaged in extinguishing the fire, considering that a block of old wooden buildings partially surrounded the burning fabrics. The shops and one four-roomed cottage belonging to Walker were insured for £l7O in the London and Globe office, and another of the cottages for the sum of £IOO in the same office. None of Mr Walker's property was saved, and he is unable to estimate his loss. The furniture of Mrs Walker and that of Mr Stewart was saved, but the only places insured were those above-mentioned. The ground on which the shops and cottages stood was Church property, leased by Mr Richard Walker. That gentleman was from home when the fire broke out on his premises, and his wife was in tho house of her sister-in-law next door at the time. No reasonable explanation as to the origin of the fire could be obtained. Mrs Walker thought it might be the upsetting of the kitchen stove, but this idea had to lie rejected when examining the remains of the fire, as the stove was found standing upright with the saucepan on it, just as Mrs Walker hud placed it on leaving the house.