WELLINGTON.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 35, 27 February 1862, Page 6 (Supplement)

WELLINGTON.

We have received, per Surprise, papers to the 22nd instant. Fire ox Board the “ Arabella.” —Ou Tuesday night, between ten and eleven o’clock, the town was alarmed by the sounding of the alarm bugle at the Mount Cook Barracks, and itwas not ten minutes after the first ringing of the bell that the military engine was seen proceeding down Cu-ba-street, but no fire was anywhere visible. The Liverpool and London engine was also brought out, but it was impossible to find out where the fire was. It was at last found to bo on board the barque Arabella, and was first discovered by Mr. Mason, the tide-waiter on board, who immediately gave the alarm, when signals of distress were at once hoisted. The police, under Inspector Atcheson, the crew of the Albemarle, and several boats from shore, immediately put off to her to render assistance. Smoke was discovered issuing from the hold under the chief cabin, and a number of mattresses, which were shipped for Napier, were found to be on fire, which however, was specdllv extinguished. A tin was afterwards found under the sails, containing a piece of canvas saturated with turpentine, which was partly consumed, and it is supposed to have been placed there purposely. The jury were of this opinion, for at an inquest that was held the next day, returned the unanimous verdict—“ That the vessel had been set on fire by some person or persons unknown.”