FIRE AT TE ARO.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5356, 28 May 1878, Page 2

FIRE AT TE ARO.

Shortly after eleven o’clock last night a fire broke out in Collins-street, and in a few minutes there was so bright a glare that in most parts of the city people were lead to fear that a serious conflagration had occurred. Fortunately this proved not to be the case, and although the flames had a good starts only some small wooden houses were destroyed. CoUins-strcet' is a narrow lane branching off Tory-street, and the houses in it are all small. The building in which the flames broke out consisted of two storeys, and was divided into two houses, one of which was completed and inhabited; the other was unoccupied, and it is said had a quantity of shavings, chips, &0., in it. They belonged to Mr. Bond, and it is believed they were insured in the South British Company. These were totally destroyed, and two buildings on each side of them were more or less injured. However a few hundred pounds will cover the total loss. The wind, which wos southerly, was blowing strongly, and kept the flames from the opposite side of the street, but sent such showers of sparks and pieces of burning wood on to one of the buildings of Pascoe’a brewery, that it was in great danger of being ignited. The first jet was got on by the Central Brigade with a hose from their new branch station, which is close at hand. However, the pressure nf water was so small that the flames were but partially checked. A considerable time elapsed before a second jet was in play. It was not until a quarter of an hour after the first hydrant was fixed that the pressure became at all good, and when it increased to something like what it ought to be the hose began leaking, and there was at least one very bad burst ; indeed, so much water was wasted that the street was in many places flooded. There will no doubt be an inquiry as to the cause of the pressure being so slight, and the insurance companies should, for their own protection, see that some remedy is ■ provided for this. Had a fire broken out in a large building instead of small cottages, the result must have been exceedingly serious. There were plenty of firemen on the ground, but they worked very confusedly, and there seemed a need of a commander to direct them. If both brigades had been provided with their buckets they might have used them advantageously. As it was, several men by using buckets and tubs did good service. Although the buildings were so small the fire was not thoroughly extinguished until twenty minutes after the second jet was brought into play. The fire was confined to a small space, yet many of the surrounding buildings were in danger, and in more than one instance private hoses were used. The sparks were at times blown right across Courtenay-place. There are many matters connected with the fire that call for inquiry, for many defects were made very apparent. No injuries to people were reported.