Trashy Buildings.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 46, 18 January 1883, Page 2

Trashy Buildings.

"Silver Pen," m San Francisco* writes as follows to the Auckland Herald : — " A curious fire occurred m one of the millionaires' houses., which, though very handsome, was run up m somewhat gingerbread fashion. For instance, though a noble structure, the walls were merely lath and plaster, not filled up between. For many days a dense smoke had puffed up at times throughout the mansion, which, strange to say, was left to puff instead of being looked to. Yesterday morning the Chinaman— -than whom no human being is smarter — felt the wall of the laundry^ exceedingly hot. He instantly brokA m the wall,. and there discovered a heap of living; coals. He hosed the spot for an hour, by which time it was discovered from cellar to kitchen the walls were red hot, though no flame could escape. They pottered away with the garden hos°, until a bright thought entered some bright brain, which was that there was an efficient fire brigade m the city, and after demolishing walls and ruining much furnu ture, they actually turned on an alarm, but too late. The whole of the magnificent furniture, pictures and art collections gathered m years were destroyed whereas a timely help from the fire de«* partment would have prevented all the damage. The loss was 200,000 dollars, covered completely by insurance. Ihe owner is the leading lawyer m th« city.