FIRE IN GEORGE STREET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 290, 25 November 1862, Page 4

FIRE IN GEORGE STREET.

The public of Dunedin had last night practical exemplification of two important facts—Thafc the Volunteer Fire Brigade is composed of energetic and capable men ; and that they are likely to be of little value, for some time to come, because their efforts will be crippled, at the moment of direst need, by the want of a supply* of water. We wish we could hope that last night's experience would lead to steps being taken to carry out the easy work of giving1 to the town an abundant provision of water, whether for coping with fires, or for the consumption of the inhabitants.

About a quarter to- ten o'clock, last night, the vigorous ringing of the alarm bell announced the commencement of a conflagration, and it was soon learned that the' scene of ifc was George-street, not far from the Octagon. It proved that the burning building was an extensive set of livery stables, separated only by a cottage or two from the Royal; George Hotel, and belonging to the landlord of that house, Mr Towers. The building was 90ft or 100 ft long, and 45ft or 50ft wide. Ifc was of wood and corrugated iron* Oa each side of a wide avenue wai

a row of stalls and loose boxes, having stores above, in which there were considerable quantities of corn, bay, chaff, harness, &c. The roof was of corrugated iron, on wooden rafters and beams the front ol" the stores was also iron." Otherwise, the building was substantially constructed of wood. In it there were, as far as we can learn, near 40 horses.

The fire commenced at the westerly corner, or the back one near the hotel ; and we believe it was first .seen by a maid-servant, who happened to look through the kitchen window. Messengers were instantly dispatched to the engine station in Princes-street, ancl to the bellman on the Hill ; and in a commendably short time the members of the Brigade mustered, many of them in full uniform, and two engines were dragged to the spot. Later on, the engine belonging to Mr R. B. Martin was brought upon the ground, hut its services wore not needed,, and could not have been had if they were, seeing that water could not be obtained. Before the Brigade arrived, the fire had got a strong hold on the back of the buildings. The ostlers and others had by tbis time got out all the horses ex'-ept two, which were in a loose box near the front. These remained there for more tban half an hour after the alarm, and they were then released and brought out safely by Mr Joseph Mills, despite the fact that there was a fierce blaze above and in front at the time. He got a hearty cheer for bis pluck and success. The first effort of Captain Rec-s^ his officers, and men, was of course made at the back of the building. The new engine was taken there, and there was fortunately a well within twenty yards whicli gave a good supply of water for twenty cv twentyfive minutes. The flames were gradually suppressed, but not until tbey had spread through the length of the building ; and although the Brigade \cry judiciously followed up the bursts of the flames, they had time to gain strength again afc the back, while the men were at work in front. While this was going on, it became evident that the best plan practicable would be to get down the roof, and so prevent the rafters carrying fire to the opposite side, which as yet remained untouched. Before the Brigade hud beeu at work half an hour, there was a stoppage of the engine, for there was no water. Tanks, pools, and pumps were laid under requisition ; strings ot men set themselves to work in several directions, banding buckets ; and at one time, there was a spurt in the supply which enabled a second engine to be worked for a short time. But still, the truth is that although the fire never burned very fiercely—there: being so much hay, chalT, &c, in the .store-rooms—and although there was providentially scarcely a breath of wind—the water was so short that all the exertions of the Brigade would not have enabled them to hold the flames in cheek under what may be called ordinary circumstances.

About half-past ten o'clock, a portion ofthe roof, about midway in the building, came down with a great crash ; and while the Brigade were doing tbeir utmost to use well all the water tbey conl.l get, other volunteers, and members of the police force, were busily employed with ropes and poles in getting down the roof, or knocking off portions of the wood work which were burning strongly and so threatened danger. The ropes were thrown across the main tie-beams, which being charred, snapped under a vigorous pull, and a fall of roof generally followed. We noticed Captain Smiih, of the Wild Wave, and some mom hers of the police force, actively eugaged in this work, the former being especially active and during. That we do not mention others who well deserve it, is due only to the impossibility of obtaining names in the midst of the excitement.

The operations we hare indicated—with the added ones of going into tbe still burning stores, and quenching the smouldering masses, with water from buckets, throwing out what was uninjured, &c.—were carried on until midnight, when all may be said to have been pretty well over.

The damage done was the total destruction of the roof, and the very nearly total gutting of the stove rooms on the side where the fire commenced. The fittings below were very slightly injured by fire ; and the same may be said of the weather boarding. On the opposite side the damage was nominal, and not at all from fire. Mr Towers' loss willbe several hundred pounds,and he is not insured. Some time ago, he leased to Mr Brunton the land on which tlie stables stood, and it was only at the close of last week that he bought out tbe owners, for (as we bave heard) £'800. He had commenced negotiations for an insurance.

The store of Mr Donaldson closely adjoins the stables on the north, or saved, side. In the first excitement it was justly enough feared that the flames would extend to it, and a considerable quantity of goods was brought out, and piled at a safe distance. A smaller building at the back was cleared of its contents, and a portion was pulled down before it was seen that there was at least no immediate danger in that direction. On tie other side a cottage stands close to the stables, and so connects with the hotel block. Two or t tree times, buckets of water had to be flung npon the cottage to keep the boarding cool, and fortunately tbe flames did not reach it. A number of bags of chaff, &c, was got out of the stables, immediately after tbe alarm was given.

The cause of the fire is not known. The stables bad been closed some time before the

alarm was given,

We shall probably learn, and we shall be glad to receive, further particulars to-day, of this event wliich ought to load to instant measures for the formation of a Water Works Company. Nothing but tbe stillness of the weather averted a serious calamity ; and we trust that the lesson of the extreme danger to property and life in this city—which every one, however apathetically, admits most fully in theory—has now been taught with sufficient directness.

It remains only to be said, thafc Dunedin may justly be proud of her young Volunteer Brigade, l?iom the Captain downwards the members worked energetically, daringly, and yet with coolness ; and we devoutly pray that they may not soon have the chance of acquiring, in actual conflict with fires, that thoroughly practical knowledge of their duties which we are sure they would, under such circumstances, very speedily

•acquire

Mr St John Branigan, commissioner of police, Sub-inspector Weldon, and all the available officers ancl constables, were in attendance, and did good service throughout. The crowd collected wa3 large but very orderly.