AUCKLAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 233, 24 January 1855, Page 6

AUCKLAND.

Fibe.—About a quarter past nine on Sunday evening, the inhabitants of Auckland were startled by the cry of fire. Numbers immediately rushed into the streets, and it became known in a few minutes that the extensive stores of Mr. W. S. Grahame, situated in Fort Street, were in flames. Theinilitary picket had just come past the Sbortland street frontage to Mr. W. S. Grahame's property, nothing at that time being visible, but before they had passed down the street more than fifty yards, the cry was raised. The picket immediately returned, and within five minutes the military began to arrive, shortly afterwards followed by the engine belonging to the 58th regiment. The engine was soon at work as well as the very limited supply of water permitted, although the men were indefatigable in their exertions to procure it. At the same time another party covered the roof and front of Mr. Grahame's dwelling house, situated at the back of the store, with wet blankets, to shield it from the flames, which by that time, owing to the kaurie gum, the pitch, and the flax, were terrific, enveloping the whole of the wooded stores and stabling. A third party worked at the beach front, endeavouring to arrest the progress of the flames in the direction of Fort Street. At a quarter before ten, the heat was intense, the front of the dwelling house began to smoke, and, notwithstanding the most strenuous exertions, actually caught fire several times. Fortunately each time, the element was mastered; otherwise the whole of Shortlaml street must have gone. At this point, one of the most conspicuous in daring and exerfion was the Rev. Mr. Lloyd, minister of St. Paul's churcb. He was long the foremost man on the rklge of the roof, pouring water over the most exposed part of the house. About the same time the roof of the scoria store caught fire, at places along the side ridge where the lead had melted off ; this, notwithstanding the intense heat, was overcome by a party on the roof. A tolerable supply of water (the tide unfortunately was out) was procured on the beach front, by a double line of soldiers to the river. The bonded stove, which is situated at the jack of the scoria store, was in great danger, and it was to this point that the greatest attention was paid, the engine of the regiment being scarcely able to prevent the fire penetrating the door of the building, the safety of which iuvolved that of a large portion of the town. By dint of enormous exertion, this was preserved, and the flames confined to the buildings immediately contiguous to that in which the lire originated. By twelve o'clock, all danger of its spreading farther was atari end, though there was still an immense mass of timber and goods burning on the ground. Colonel Wynyard was early on the ground and shewed himself indefatigable. The conduct of the soldiers also was most praiseworthy throughout; in fact, but for their prompt and.efficient aid, Sbortland.street, at least, must have fallen a sacrifice. We think that a more substantial acknowledgment of service than mere ' words should be made.to them; and we are happy to learn that it has already been set about. Nor should it be forgotton that they have even suffered actual loss in the destruction of their clothes. Among the civilians we remarked, among others, Messrs. Brodie, D. Graham, Daldy, and Keesings, as unwearied in exertion ; as also Mr. Finlay, who unfortunately fell from the roof of the store and was severely injured. These names we mention as happening to have come under our own personal observation. The.burning has been confined exclusively to Mr. Grahame's premises ; though houses as far off as Official Bay also caught .fire from the sparks carried on. the air. The parties being

on the oullook, however, were able to extingish the flame in good time, or the houses in that distant locality would also have beeij ;lestroyed. The extent of loss is yet unascertained We have heard it estimated at about It is uncertain whether any part of the property was insured or not. — Southern Cross. Colonel Wtnyaro's Resignation oe the Office of Superintendent. — (From the Auckland Provincial Government Gazette, December 27, 1854.)— To the Electors of the Province of Auckland. Gentlemen—Despatches have been received from the Secretary of Stale, to the effect, tlmt arrangements have been made by her Majesty's Government, that the 58th Regiment, which I command, shall return to England without delay, and that I am to remain in New Zealand, to administer the Government of the Colony until a new Governor shall -have arrived. I have continued to hold the office of Superintendent of this Province, in expectation of being speedily relieved from that of Officer administering the Government of the Colonybut, as it now appears certain, that, so long as I shall remain in New Zealand, I shall continue to hold the latter office, I think it right to resign the former; and I take this early opportunity of communicating to you that such is my intention. I have been advised by the Executive Council of the Province, that, instead of at once resigning, it would be more 'convenient that I should retain office, till the re-assembling of the Provincial Council on the sth of January next, in order that some of the business now before the Council, requiring immediate attention, may be completed. This .advice I concur in and follow.

I will now merely add, that my resignation will not be delayed longer than the exigencies of the Public Service require, and that, on my retirement, I shall take an opportunity of giving expression to the deep obligation I feel myself tinder .to the members of the Council and to the electors generally, for the kindness and consideration I have received from them. ~ I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, B. H. Wynyard, . Superintendent Superintendent's Office, Auckland, December 27ih, 1854. NELSON. This resignation of an office by Colonel Wynyard, which he ought never to have held, is so far satisfactory as it removes the public scandal which the Northpin Province brought upon itself by electing for its head a military chief, to govern its cisil affairs, showing thereby the extent of influence which the Commander of the Forces possesses at the head of military quarters of the colony, when standing surrounded by settlements of pensioners. We are glad so far then to see that what we always considered as a dangerous union of offices has now ceased, and we say this without any reference whatever to the character of Colonel Wynyard himself. But, if the event referred to affords us satisfaction, there was another event we were an-, ticipating, which, had it occurred, would have increased this satisfaction very greatly—that event is the recall of Colonel Wynyard, as the officer administering the Government of the colony, and the arrival of a new Governor. Without entering the least on the question, whether Colonel Wynyard is qualified to administer the Government of this colony, supposing him duly appointed for the purpose, we may be allowed to Say that the continuance of his Excellency in office a few months longer on his present footing, will be a deplorable event for New Zealand. A few months more, and the time for summoning the General Assembly will again arrive, and is the colony prepared a second time to witness the total shipwreck of the better part of its constitution from the insufficiency of delegated authority to mould and give a practical form lo the institutions which have been bestowed upon us ? We find that the rumoured appointment of Sir Henry Young to New Zealand is incorrect, Sir Henry having been gazetted Governor of Van Diemen's Land, in the place of Sir W. Denison, who goes to New Wales as Governor General of Australiaj-: and.;\ve look forward, therefore, with much anxftty, for the appointment of a Governor for N&w Zealand; — Nelson Examiner.