FIRE ON LAMBTON QUAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 53, 27 January 1872, Page 6

FIRE ON LAMBTON QUAY.

At ten o'clock on Tuesday night the alarm of fire was heard in the neighborhood of the European Hotel, and although there were many people in the immediate Ticinity it was only after very minute scrutiny that the whereabouts was made manifest, so slight were the indications at that time. A thin line of smoke issued slowly from the lean-to or shed attached to Jacob Joseph's store on the reclaimed land, and though there was little in the outward appearance to cause any great apprehension, a close examination was sufficient to convince those on the spot that whatever was to be done must be done promptly, if the main building was to be saved, for the galvanised iron fence was too hot to place hands on. Some little time was unavoidably spent in the consideration of what was best to be done, and an attempt was at once made to force the side gate. This was too strongly barred, but Mr Joseph, with great presence of mind, immediately sent over the keys of the building, with directions as to the part of the store in which a large number of iron buckets would be found. These were immediately shared among willing hands who formed a cordon from the burning part to the water. Unfortunately it was dead low water, else there was a possibility of squelching the fire, which had not gained any great headway up to this time. As it was there was great .difficulty in obtaining a supply, the men on the beach having to run some distance out, and return to those stationed on the breastwork. This supply was too feeble to keep the flames tinder, but nevertheless those who had go commendably undertaken the task stuck to their duty until the arrival of the Central Fire Brigade with their engine, which was on the spot five minutes after the ringing of the fire bell. By this time the fire was creeping up the north west corner of the building, and before the engine could be got to work had made its way into the interior. The engine now got into play, and the front windows of the building were broken and the water played through. For some time the struggle between the elements for the mastery was very equal, but the gradual dulness and the sullen receding of the flames showed that the efforts of the firemen were successful. At exactly a quarter of an hour after the breaking out of the fire the Wellington Fire Brigade engine arrived on the ground and was set to work, but the danger was at this time past. The buckets were still being passed along to the beach, and amongst the crowd who were energetically engaged in assisting in this manner were his Worship the Mayor, the Rev B. W. Harvey, Mr T. Buchanan, and many others of our leading citizens who were earliest at the scene of the fire. By twenty-five minutes past ten the fire was completely subdued, though not without the occurrence of a serious accident. After all danger was thought to be passed a fresh alarm was raised that the fire had again broken out in the upper storey, and immediately a number of the Central firemen rushed up the long ladder, which smashed in the middle when they were about half up, and five of the men were thrown to the ground. A fireman, named Follis, was thought to be seriously injured and was conveyed to the European Hotel, where he was speedily attended by Drs Grace and Kemp, who at once declared that he was not seriously hurt. Three others, named Grimstone, Silk, and Brown, sustained trifling bruises, but we are glad to be able to say that none were seriously injured. Sergt Monaghan was one of the very first on the ground, and is entitled to considerablecreditforhis prompt directions as to the use of the buckets. Captain Moss, of the Central Fire Brigade, performed the next effectual measures on the arrival of the engine to his brigade* the directions given being observed with alacrity by every member of the brigade. Mr Marshall, of the Armed Constabulary, was one who did most beneficial duty from the first, though the members of the corps did not arrive till near the end of the fire, which was very good time considering the distance to be covered. We were unable to ascertain the extent of the insurance effected on the building, though we were informed it amounted to about a tenth of the stock, which is much damaged by the water The change in the direction of the wind during the evening was most fortunate. Throughout the day a heavy north-wester had been blowing, and had it continued nothing could have saved the building.