Fire in Rangitikei STREET.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 232, 3 September 1883, Page 2

Fire m Rangitikei STREET.

On Saturday evening a fire broke out in the stable used by Mr F. T. Collins It originated through allowing the candle in a lantern to burn itself down through the socket, thereby igniting some litter. Before anything could be done the flame communicated itself to a loft full of oaten straw, which in a few seconds became one burning mass. Buckets of water followed each other in rapid succession without any effect. The iron on the roof was already glowing and the main building in danger of catching fire when Mr Ferguson's small fireengine appeared on the scene drawn by Mr Graff and Mr Morell. A row of willing helping hands soon filled the cask, and nflw commenced a battle with the flames which did credit to all who took part in it. From the yard the hose was gradually brought into the stable and from there up to the loft, the very heart of the fire. For a whole hour 4 or 5 men kept their footing here hard at work almost stifled with smoke and heat. In conclusion, we would like to mention the great necessity of having a fire-bell, and would suggest that permission should be obtained from the railway department to hang it under the tanks at the engine.