NARROW ESCAPE OF THE BUILDING.

Manawatu Herald, 1 August 1899, Page 2

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE BUILDING.

The Wellington Fire Brigade wan called up at 3 o'olock on Sunday morn • ing to extinguish a fire at Government House. They were smartly on the scene, and found the outbreak in the woodwork underneath the fire-place of the ladies' maid's bedroom, which was filled with dense smoke, and for some time the Brigade were unable to get to work at the seat of the outbreak.

Meanwhile the flames spread under, neath the floor of the bedroom and worked their way up the walls to the outside of the building, and also went along the main corridor upstairs. After about three-quarters of an hour's hard fighting, the Brigade obtained the mastery. Captain Hugo states that the building had a very narrow escape from destruction. A strong squally wind was blowing, which made the task of the men a very difficult one. When the Brigade arrived the Go»

vernor and Captain Alexander had "■' run out a length of hose, with which the building is provided, but it was of little use under the circumstances.

The building and furniture are considerably damaged by smoke and water, and being Government property these are not insured, but it is estimated it will take a good sum to *. eftect repairs to the building and replace the articles of furniture. The Alliance Office has a large line on his Excellency's private effects, wardrobe, jewellery, etc., but as far as can be ascertained these sustained no damage whatever.

Captain Hugo states that no doubt the cause of the fire was a defective fire-place.