BLAZE IN THE CITY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8352, 12 February 1913, Page 7

BLAZE IN THE CITY

BRIGADE’S PROMPT WORK WOODEN BUILDING DAMAGED. A little after 11 o’clock last night flames were scon issuing from an old wooden building on the corner of Grey and Featherston streets, just opposite the new post office. Fanned by strong northerly gusts, the firo. rapidly obtained a hold and great masses of flame shot upward. Tho glare was reflected from the post office windows, and sparks wore scattered in all directions by tho wind. Alarm was promptly given, and tho brigade arrived on tho scone a few minutes later. Tho flames had their strongest hold on tho top floor at tho northerly side of tho budding, and it was due to tho efficient manner in which tho outbreak was attacked that tho lire was prevented from eating tho whole structure. Tho building, being old and dry, was highly inflammable. A good pressure of water was available, however, and in about twenty minutes tho flames wero subdued. A fairly large crowd of people had assembled in expectation of a “spectacle,” and big volumes of smoko frequently enveloped them. Tho fire originated on tho upper floor (the building is of two storeys) in Mr O. Hickey’s picture-film store, and spread rapidly along the wall at the back or the premises, burning the rear portion of tho building and eating through tho roof. The flames then attacked tho offices of Messrs Barraud and Co., auctioneers, and did some damage. Practically tho whole portion facing Featherston street, and comprising rooms occupied by Mr J. Chariesworth (arbhitect) and Barraud and Co., sutfored from water, while the ground floor also suffered in this respect. Books and documents in the of Messrs Morrison and McLean, solicitors, wero also damaged by water. Other tenants in the building are: Messrs Wyllie Brothers (estate agents), Mr H. G. Leighton (auctioneer), wild Onyon and Co. . One of the offices contained a case of petrol, the ignition of which would nrcbably have led to more seffiqus damage. A quantity of highly inflammable cinematographic material In Mr Hickey’s store was burnt. Tho building is owned by Messrs tl. R. Elder (Waikanae) and 0. B. Moneon, K.C., and Archdeacon Gosset, of Christchurch, who acquired it from the Anglican Church Trust. The insurances wero not available last night.