ALARMING FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 61, 14 March 1870, Page 2

ALARMING FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

(From the Press, Marcii 10.) An Alarming fire broke out shortly after three o'clock this morning, in Cashelstreet. The fire originated in Paterson's Restaurant aud quickly communicated with the shop of Mr. Sandstein, watchmaker and jeweller. There being soma delay iv the usual prompt supply from the steam fire engine, the flames soon made head, and for some time were fortunately confiued by Mr. Pratt's brick party wall on the one side, and by Mr. Brass's brick building on the other. A heavy mass of fire however was not to be resisted, and the iron roof of Mr. Brass's buildiug soon showed signs of conflagration within, and before long the building was evidently doomed. Mr. Pratt's show room, despite the party wall, became ignited through the skylight,, and the crisis became alarming. The hose from the steam fire engine, however, being brought to bear, soon stayed further progress of the flames, and the central mass of fire had now fairly burnt itself out. The damage done is as follows — Patterson's Restaurant — Total k>3S, partly insured. Mr. Sandstein, watchmaker and jeweller — Total loss ; insured for a small amount ;-. effects removed. Mr. Brass's brick building gutted; goods removed. Insurances about £4000, of

which £2600 is with the London and Liverpool. Mr. Pratt, Dunstable House — Show room roof damaged ; eoods removed and damaged by water. The show room was insured, £1000 being with the Victoria.

Fire in Invercargill. — A destructive fire took place in Dee-street, Invercargill, en the 4th instant. Reese's grocery store, Clark's hostelry and corn store, were totally destroyed ; Stewart and Riddle's wheelwright shop was partially destroyed. Rees only is insured for £500 in the New Zealand office, but it does not cover his loss. The origin of the fire is unknown.