DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN MAIN STREET.

Kumara Times, Issue 719, 18 January 1879, Page 2

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN MAIN STREET.

After a long immunity from the ravages of the destioying element, this town was last night'again the scene of destructive and d-mgerous conflagration. Shortly before one o'clock the night watchman observed a light in an unoccupied house formerly known as the Reefton Hotel, in Main street, and on bursting in the door he found that a ' poi tion of the premises were in flames. Finding his endeavours futile to extinguish them unaided, he immediately gave the alarm, but, in the meantime the flames had gained a complete hold of building. Situated as this house was, adjoining the Kumara Hotel, it was evident from the first that unless the most strenuous exertions were used, the latter building was doomed to destruction. The Volunteer Fire Brigade, under Captain Powell, who were promptly on the spot at the first alarm, were immediately and actively engaged in endeavoring to save the adjoining building by the use of the water supply at their disposal. Fortunately between the Kumara Hotel and the burning building a wooden fence about 14ft. in height intervened, and to this cause alone may be ascribed the ultimate safety of Mv Rugg's property, as this acred to a certain extent as a screen from the intense heat, and enabled the firemen and others, by the timelv and judicious use of water, to at once extinguished any portion of the hotel on fire as quickly as it caught alight, at the same time the fence, being constantly wetted, acted as a harrier to the progress of the flames in that direction. In the meantime the Brian Born Hotel, | the property of Messrs Dungan and I O'Brian, was enveloped in flames, diapite the utmost efforts of the Brigade, and it at once became necessary for the preservation of the remaining property that a break should be made in the line of fire. This was speedily accomplished by the partial removal of the Cash Palace (lately occupied by Mr L. Moses, draper), which was effected by the use of a stout rope and grappling irons, manned by an energetic crew from "the on'ookors. The store which was unoccupied, being of large dimensions and the roof of iron, after the removal of the front and all other wooden fixtures appertaining thereto, proved a most valuable auxiliary in staying the further advance of the conflagration, as, after a few moments of anxious suspense, during which the Brigade were keeping a constant stream of water on the northern side of the Hokitika Hotel, it was evident that the fire was confined to the space on which the three buildings destroyed formerly stood. Although the Kumara Hotel sustained but little damage fiom the fire, with the exception of the windov next the blaze (which were nearly all broken by the heat) it suffered greatly at the hands of those who, in the excitement and acting on the impulse of the moment destroyed many things by the manner in which they attempted to effect their removal. A portion only of Messrs Dungan and O'Briau's furniture was saved, as it was found impossible to gain admittance to all the rooms, and they estimate that, although insured, the amount will not cover their entire loss. The whole available police force under Sergeant Emmerson were present aud rendered good service in taking charge of the various effects of different people, who on the first alarm had hurriedly removed thenportable property to the street and back premises. The general public by their assistance materially aided in subduing the fire, and although it may be thought invidious to specially parlicularise any i■-dividual on of this kind, we cannot refrain from mentioning the names of the Rev. E. A, Scotland Messrs Blake Falvey, jmv Jqh.n ttQbeifo and Altx., Hyndm,a.n,,

jun., who worked with a spirit and zeal as if in a manner firemen born. Of the Fire Brigade an a hody we cannot speak in terms of too high commendation,'as they worked not only assiduously but in that practical manner that clparlv denoted practice and experience, and it is earnestly to be hojifd that the services of this valuable body of men will he long retained in this town and duly recognised by the ya<imi-< iiusu'-ance com;'>aui<*R, as this is only one of the m-iny instances in which th" respective insurance offices lutve benefitted pecuniarily by the exertion* of the loral brigade. The following are the insurances on thf> buildings and stock, but in ihe last two cases we are unable at present to a.-CTf.tin the name of the office in whk-h they are insured :—Messrs Diincran and O'Bmn, Standard, £4OO ; Mr Rngjr, South British, £3so;' Mr Moses, £2OO ; and Miss O'Donnell. £IOO. As an official inquiry into the origin of the fire will be held next week, no don».t some particulars will be elicited a* to the first cause, which is generally supposed to be work of an incendiary.