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Patea Mail, 4 September 1882, Page 3

Latest TELEGRAMS

This Afternoon LARGE FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH. ROASTING THE LEARNED PIG. Christchurch.—A fire occurred in High street this morning, and made a clearance of some buildings which have long been an eyesore in the centre of the city. The fire commenced shortly after midnight in a shop occupied by the “ learned pig ” and the armless lady. The fire commenced in back premises, which half an hour before the alarm shewed not a symptom of fire. Efforts were made to rescue the learned pig, but without avail : it was roasted alive. The fire rapidly spread southwards, where the buildings were very old ; the progress of flames northward being much slower owing to King’s furniture warehouse being plastered inside. The Fire Brigade were early at work, but before the flames were extinguished the f ol lowing buildings were destroyed on south side, shops oceupied by Doherty, tobacconist, and by Madame Lottie Wilmot; the shop occupied by Crocker, draper, prevented the flames extending further in this direction. On the north side the back premises of King’s furniture warehouse were destroyed : stock in King’s and Crocker’s shops and part of that in Hulbert’s shops was removed. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Three hours elapsed before the fire was completely extinguished. The value of buildings destroyed is comparatively trifling.