DISASTROUS FIRE AT BELFAST FACTORY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2534, 23 May 1882, Page 3

DISASTROUS FIRE AT BELFAST FACTORY.

This morning, at about a quarter past five o’clock. Sergeant Hughes noticed an unusual glare in the vicinity of Belfast, and, being sure that a large fire was raging, at once despatched Mounted Constable Orookett to the scene of the conflagration, which proved to be at the Belfast factory. Mr Watt, of the New Zealand Provision and Produce Company, to whom the works belong, lost no time in proceeding to the spot, and at the time of our going to press he was still absent from Christchurch; but, from information forwarded by that gentleman, it appears that the soap and tallow bouses have been totally destroyed. Fortunately the wool-room, the store, and the office escaped. At present it is impossible to'estimate the loss sustained, but the stock and property are stated to be insured in the Standard and other insurance offices.

The origin of the fire is shrouded in mystery. It is stated that late last sight the fires were banked up as usual, and the customary precautions taken. The cook rose at half-past four o’clock this morning, when all was seemingly right, and in less than an hour after the place was in flames. No fire engine is stated as having been available. Within a hundred yards from the buildings a creek winds ; but it is believed to have been too far distant to bo available.