Destructive Fire in Upper Queen-street.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 333, 18 December 1865, Page 3

Destructive Fire in Upper Queen-street.

—We have again to record the occurrence of a very destructive fire, which took place yesterday morning, about four o’clock at the private residence of Mr J. Watson Bain, Upper Queen-street, and which was burned down to the ground The fire appears to have commenced in the kitchen, or back premises j but from what cause it originated we have been unable to ascertain. Before the actual existence of the fire was discovered, the flames had obtained firm hold of the back premises ; and Mr Bain and family were barely permitted time to put on the slightest covering of wearing apparel before being driven from the premises by the intense heat which was evolved from the burning portions of the structure. Very fortunately, however, consequent on the clanging of the fire-beUs, a number of neighbors and friends were quickly coHected at the scene of the conflagration; and by their very praiseworthy and strenuous exertions, a considerable amount of valuable property, in the front portion of the building, was rescued from the flames. It is to be regretted, however, that a great number of family relics have been consumed and that m ore than one half of the fine library which Mr Bain had been perseveringly collecting for many years past was sacrificed. The police, and men of the City Board, were early on the ground, and their exertions very ably directed by Mr Commissioner Eaughton ; but we cannot omit mentioning that not a single fire engine put in an appearance. We have been informed that one was dragged as far as the bottom of Wakefleld-street, when the persons in charge thought it advisable, before proceeding further, to send one of their number to the scene of the conflagration to ascertain whether their services were required, and by the he had returned the worst of the danger of the fire spreading was over. The soldier in garrison were also mustered for the purpose of being marched to the fire, and did good service in saving the furniture, &c. As most of our readers will be aware, the premises in question were surrounded by a large and choicely-kept garden, and to this fact may be attributed the preservation of neighboring houses occupied by Mr Walters, Mr Belshaw, and others. A strong wind from south-west was blowing at the of the conflagration, and the'sparks from the burning timbers were carried in great numbers on to the large house to the north of the burning premises; hut by a judicous, application of wet blankets, and a plentiful supply of water, all danger of the fire spreading in that direction was averted. We regret to learn that Mr Bain is but partially insured. —Southern Cross, December 13.