FIRE AT THE “ HERALD ” OFFICE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IX, Issue 454, 18 February 1867, Page 2

FIRE AT THE “ HERALD ” OFFICE.

On the morning of Friday last, the 15tb install, at a quarter before five o’clock, tire was discovered by Police - constable Fitzgibbon, who was on duty in the neighborhood, in a portion of the premises in rear of the “ Herald ’’ printing office ; the burning building being the one which was used as the book-binding department, and in close connection with the machine and press room, having also at its opposite end a stable and hay shed. It was in this hay shed it is supposed that the fire originated, although nothing

certain is known in this respect. A very few minutes sufficed to allow the fire to penetrate these buildings, and threaten the total destruction of the whole range of premises. We need scarcely say that no time was lost by the policeman in raising the alarm; and it seemed as if by magic a number of ready, and willing helping hands were on the spot. The engine too was close at hand, and speedily brought to bear on the flames —being plentifully supplied from a well of sea water on the premises adjoining. Tiiere was also as much as 3000 gallons of water in tanks on the threatened property, which was unsparingly used by the helpers present; and. we are truly happy to be able to say, with success, in so far as the destruction was confined to that portion of the premises first on fire, —the machine and press room, as well as the composing department, and the dwelling house and shop being saved from destruction. The loss, however, is very great, the binding room being filled with bales of paper and printed books, all of which was totally destroyed, and formed a mass of charred debrk of considerable depth. The escape of the machine and press room was something little short of miraculous, the roof and lining boards at the upper end of it being burnt throughout its whole length ;

nevertheless, by directing the whole energies of a goodly number of people to this particular place, and the powerful play of the engine close at hand, it was, as we have said, saved, and ihe publication of the “ Herald ” not stopped, as it otherwise must have

been. The paper, too, for the next issue was already wetted, and consequently saved from the fate of a large supply of that material. Amongst the property destroyed we noticed the remains of a large standing press, cutting machines, and finding apparatus • and we are sorry to learn that the whole remaining portion of the edition of the Hawke’s Bay Almanac and much printed matter, has also been destroyed, x uis, no uOuui>, in budi. a vast deal of time and labor to replace, as much of the work was ready, or nearly so, ;br delivery. Nor was the loss directly occasioned by the fire the only one that was suf fered. Owing to the apprehensions generally entertained that the whole building would be destroyed, the front shop was cleared, and many valuable books were damaged by being thrown into the street.

This event points clearly to the need of further preparation on the part of the public against the recurrence of such calamities, and we trust that it will not be lost upon us, but will stimulate the public to increase the effective force of the Fire Brigade, obtain a larger and more powerful engine, and aid the existing Brigade with the needful funds for the effectual performance of their duties. We are unable to state the extent of the loss suffered by Mr Wood, the proprietor of the premises. We believe that it is covered by insurance, and feel sure that the Companies interested will act with liberality in the matter of remuneration, as far as it can be done.