DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT WELLINGTON.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2017, 11 August 1880, Page 2

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT WELLINGTON.

[PEE PBESB ASSOCIATION' SPECIAL WISE.] WELLINGTON, August 10. A destructive fire broke out at a house of ill-fame occupied by Mrs Baker at 630 this evening. When the fire was first discovered the front part of the building, which contained twelve rooms, was one mass of flames, and was spreading rapidly. The alarm being given the occupants soon made their escape, but were unable to save anything. The fire brigades worked well, but the flames having a firm hold it was impossible to do anything but endeavor to prevent the spread of the fire. However a strong wind carried the fire to a four-roomed cottage occupied by the cook to Mrs Baker, which was soon burnt. The next buildings to catch were a cottage owned by Mr Webb, and a workshop containing a quantity of tools owned by Mr P. Pagon. The former was gutted, and the latter completely destroyed. It was thought that a large number of houses would be destroyed, but the strong pressure of water from several streets got the flames under. Several narrow escapes occurred from burning flakes. The fire is supposed to have been caused through the bursting of a kerosene lamp. Mrs Baker was insured for £IOSO, but it is not yet known in what offices. None of the other buildings were insured. A detachment of seamen from H.M.S. Ealeigh did good service in saving property. WELLINGTON, August 11. The insurances on Mrs Baker’s house are £IO3O in the South British, of which £330 is re-insured in the North British, and £250 in the National. Eeddica’s house, wbich was partly destroyed, was insured in the National.