FIRE IN THAMES STREET.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 68, 10 July 1876, Page 2

FIRE IN THAMES STREET.

Last evening, at about twenty minutes past ten o'clock, a fire broke out on the premises of Messrs, Riordan and Ryan, tobacconists, Thames-street. It appears to have originated in a cupboard under, the staircase, on the north side of the shop, and was first observed by some person in the street. An alarm was at once raised, which attracted the attention of Sergeant Carroll, who was speedily on the scene, quickly followed b}- several members of the police force. Buckets were procured from the Camp, but on their arrival it was discovered that there was no water on the premises. A supply was ultimately obtained from the Alliance Hotel, and with the aid- of a large syringe lent by Dr. Fleming, the flamc-s were subdued before any serious damage was done. Mr. Riordan informs us that lie is unable to account for the origin of the fire. He states that he left the shop last evening in company with Mr. Ryan, about a quarter-past nine, for the purpose of having a stroll, and that they returned in a quarter of an hour. They both retired for the night at 9.35, and Mr. Riordan says that he was awoke about "eleven o'clock by cries of "»fire," raised by some person in the street. He at once got up, and cleared out through the front bedroom window, and managed to alight on the footpath, from the roof of Mr. Goldammer's shop next door. There was another man sleeping on' tlie premises, who, with Mr. Ryan, effected his escape from the rear. Mr. Riordan is insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company for £800; oiu. stock: £100«iy furniture and wearing apparel, and £2O on a safe. An inquiry will be held into the cause of the conflagration.