THE LATE FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 15, 31 July 1858, Page 1

THE LATE FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

On Wednesday morning, the 7th instant, some hours before daybreak, the inhabitants of Auckland were aroused by the alarm of fire. The wind was blowing strongly from the N. E., and in a very short space of time several houses were enveloped inflames. The fire broke out in the Osprey Inn in High-street and spread with frightful rapidity. It was not extinguished until about 50 bouses in the most closely built part of the City bad been destroyed. Fortunately a change of wind and a heavy rain favored the efforts of those who were engaged in combatting the flames or the destruction would have been still greater. Col. Wyn-

yard with the-officers and men of theSßih liegt., were quickly on the spotwilb ibeir fire engine and* doing ibeir utmost to arrest the progress of the enemy. Companies of the volunteer Fire Brigade also bad their engines at work in a very short time. We are glad to notice that among those who rendered prompt and effective assistance in extinguishing the fire and removing property from the burning houses several Maoris were conspicuous, among them, Hone Ropiha of the Native Department, Enoka Kau, Hunia Waikeri and others of theNgapuhi and Ngaiiwhalua. Most of the buildings destroyed were stores and shops. The value of the properly is estimated at £23,000. Of this a portion was insured, so that the owners willnnto t suffer tbe whole loss. Many persons however have not insured their properly and some have Jost all luey possessed. A meeting of tbe inhabitants of Auckland was convened the same day, at which His Excellency the Governor presided, and a committee was ap* pointed to enquire into the amount of property destroyed and to collect subscriptions for ihesufferers: the thanks of the Auckland citizens were tendered to Col. Wynyard, the officers and men of the garrison for iheir exertions, also to the companies of tbe Fire Brigade and to the gentlemen from the Southern Provinces for their zealous and effective help and their expression on behalf of their respective provinces, ofiheir svmpatby with the Auckland residents. A subscription list was immediately opened and in a few minutes upwards of £SOO was subscribed. The sum total contributed now amounts to £1,729 Os. 6d. Several Natives have united in this subscription.