FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH:

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 105, 29 February 1868, Page 4

FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH:

INQUEST AND VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER. Last night, about fifteen minutes to twelve, a fire broke out in an empty shop in Colombo street, nearly opposite the Post Office, and in close proximity to the Yictorian, Wellington, and Market Hotels, When first observed a dense body of smoke was issuing from the upper part of the building, but within a very few moments after the alarm was given, flames issued from the windows and door simultaneously. The central position of the premises, soon caused a large crowd to collect, and attention was at once turned to removing stock from the adjoining premises. Mrs. Pope’s was first entered for this purpose, being next to the burning shop, and containing by far the most valuable property of the buildings nearest the fire. Help being plentiful, the opposite side of the road soon became crowded with moveables, but no recognised leader being present, considerable unnecessary damage was done. By this time the shop first seen to be on fire was one mass of flames, and the premises on each side had become ignited, a light wind blowing from the city side prevented the fire from spreading much in that direction. Five minutes had now elapsed from the time of the alarm, and the fire engine was anxiously looked for. After a little more delay, fortunately it made its appearance, but it was fully eight minutes from the time of its arrival before the first jet of water was thrown on the blazing pile. Part of this delay was caused by the twisting of the hose, but still a much longer delay took place than necessary. The hand engine was the first on the spot, and was at once taken to the river bank, a little above Colombo bridge. During all this time the work of removal had been going on on both sides of the fire, the hook and ladder brigade being of service in getting things out of the upper room of Money’s Hotel, on the roof of which wet blankets had been placed. A small building between Mrs. Pope’s and this hotel was dragged bodily away, leaving a large gap between the two buildings. On the other side of the fire similar precautions had been taken, and as soon as the water began to play on the fire it was evident that all danger of its spreading further was removed. At this time there were all four shops enveloped in flames and totally destroyed, Mrs. Pope’s, although still standing, being so seriously burnt as to render repairs impossible. The steam fire-engine did not get into play until the fire was completely mastered, but the strong jet of water it threw soon put the finishing touch on to the flames. So far all was going well, and those present were beginning to congratulate themselves on the comparative ease with which the danger had been overcome. This feeling, however, soon gave place to one of anxiety and dread as it became whispered about that a man, known to have gone to bed in one of the houses destroyed, was missing. The fire being now almost out, all the jets were brought to play upon the spot indicated, and as soon as it was safe to do so the debris were examined. From the first a hope had been entertained that the man had escaped and would turn up alive, but unfortunately before the search amongst the smoking ruins had proceeded far, the charred remains of a human body were discovered. Of course

all recognition, except by tbe rags adhering to it,-was impossible, but from these the body was soon identified with as much certainty as possible under the circumstances, to be that of a man named John Rankin, about fifty years of age. The remains were lying face upwards, on the first floor immediately beneath, and parallel with the window of the bedroom, from which the unfortunate man was probably attempting to escape. The remains were at once taken possession of by the police, and conveyed in a box to the Tire Brigade Station, there to remain till an inquest be held over them. The damage committed cannot yet be estimated, but we should imagine that from £BOO to £IOOO will cover all. The latest particulars we could learn with reference to Rankin is that he and his partner Swale were sleeping in the bedroom over the empty shop. Swale was roused by the smoke, but had only sufficient time to make good his own escape.

An enquiry into the origin of the late fire in Colombo street, and the death of John Rankin, who was burnt to death during the conflagration, was held in the waitingroom of the surgery at the Hospital, on the 10th instant. J. W. Coward, Esq., the District Coroner, presided. Sarah Ann Pope sworn —I lately lived in Colombo-street, and occupied one of the houses burnt. Two men named Swale and Rankin occupied a shop next door as grocers. I heard Swale and Rankin’s shop close at about ten o’clock, and heard nothing more until after eleven. About that time I heard a noise as of four shelves falling, and some time after the crackling of fire. I got up and pulled the blind on one side, when I saw the back of Swale and Rankin’s premises alight, and Swale standing at the bottom of the garden. He was dressed as he usually was on Sunday afternoons. He was looking at the fire, and not attempting to give the slightest alarm. Swale never attempted to save any of the property, or extinguish the fire. Several other witnesses having been examined, the jury returned the following verdict:—“ That the prisoner, John Dasely Swale, on the night of the 7th of February last, did unlawfully, feloniously, and maliciously, set fire to a certain house in which one John Rankin was at the time residing, and the jurors say on their oath that the said John Dasely Swale did thereby wilfully murder and kill the said John Rankin.” The prisoner was then committed on the Coroner’s warrant, and removed in custody. —Lyttelton Times.