LAST NIGHT'S FIRES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1978, 26 June 1880, Page 3

LAST NIGHT'S FIRES.

The proverbial Baying that misfortunes iltrver come singly found another exemplification in Christohuroh last evening, when, after a long immunity from the fire-king's ravages, three conflagrations occurred, each following close upon the other. Shortly before six o'olock the Lichfield street bell rang out an alarm, and almost immediately a dense volume of smoke and glare was observable in the neighbourhood of Tuam street._ The rumour gained currency, and spread with the rapidity of rumours in general that the hospital was in flames, but this fortunately proved not to be the case, the building being a six-roomed wooden house, situate at the corner of Antigua and Tuam streets, opposite the Sootoh Church. The engines from both stations, with hose-reel and other appliances, were quickly on the spot, though a delay occurred fcs» getting the water on. However, this was not of much consequence, as the building, an old one, was detached, and of such inflammable material that it burnt away like a match, and only one hose was put in the river to play upon it. The house which was owned by Dr. Fisher, an absentee, was occupied by Mr Harrison and family. The origin is stated thus : Mrs Harrison, a lodger and her eon, were sitting round the fire, and on the range was some kindling wood and paper intended for the morning's use. This caught ablaze, communicated to tbe chimney, and thence to the roof, the whole following so quickly in succession as to afford no time to remove effects. The building is insured in the Standard office for £BO, represented as its full value, and the furniture in the same office for £6O. Mr Harrison states that there was £lO in money destroyed, and he estimates his loss over the insurance at £6O. At seven o'olook a second alarm was rung from the same quarter, and in this case it also proved to be a residence, being a sevenroomed house in Chester street, occupied by Mrs Frances Ellen Talbot. The two city engines were on the spot with despatch, and each laid on a hose, but the fire had too great a hold and quickly reduced the structure to a skeleton. The house was owned_ by Mr Peter Cunningham, and was insured in the Union Co.'s offijj for £2OO. The furniture was insured, in the same office, for £3OO, and there was a separate policy for £SO on an iron grand piano valued at £9O, and destroyed. The estimated loss on the house is £IOO. Mrs Talbot explains that she was preparing to go to the theatre, and her maid, -whilst fetching her an article of wearing apparel, accidentally set fire to the window curtains with a lighted oandle. The house burnt down was one of the oldeßt in Christchurch, having been used as the Provincial Council Chambor after the migration of that body from what is now the Clarendon Hotel.

The clangs of the fire bell again rang out an ominous warning about half-paßt ten o'clock in the evening, but happily this time no serious damage was done. Some vestments on a clothes-horse hanging before the kitchen fixe at the residence of Mr Maurice Harris Tipper Durham street, caught alight, but were soon extinguished by the inmates. The woodwork was scorched, acd the place filled with smoke, but beyond this no material damage ■was done. The plaster lining no doubt aided in preventing it spreading. The members of the fire brigade made an inspection of the place, and as their services were not needed, at once returned to town. Mr Harris is fully insured in the South British and Union offices.

The Railway Brigade turned out with their large engine at the first two fires, but providentially their assistance was not required. This brigade certainly deserves a meed_ of praise for the alacrity which characterises their movements when duty calls them. Two matters suggested themselves by last evening's occurences, the one a substitution of a better toned bell than the one in Liohfield street, that at present in use producing a very feeble sound, and secondly, the desirability of getting more durable hose than the brigade now possesses. Being of canvas it thus becomes perforated by grovel, and thus causes a waste of water when most needed. The police turned out last night on each occasion, and maintained excellent order.