ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT INCENDIARISM.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1269, 7 February 1883, Page 2

ANOTHER ATTEMPT AT INCENDIARISM.

Last night, at about half-past 8 o’clock, the alarm of “ Fire ” peeled out along Gladstone Road, and cries of “ It’s Page’s Hotel ” followed. It was found, however, that it was the “ Herald ” Office premises which were in danger. Fortunately there were many willing hands present, and by dint of herculean efforts a most serious catastrophe was averted. That the fire was occasioned by the action of an incendiary cannot for one moment be doubted, and we venture to state that the perpetrator of a similar crime some twelve months ago, is identical with the scoundrel nf last night. The first to give the alarm was Master Mitchell, and who with a large amount of forethought, requested Master Lewis to ring the fire-bell, whilst he lustily sang out “Fire!” along the street. On reaching the scene of the fire we discovered that the flames had secuaed a good hold on the weatherboarding in the composing-room at the side near Mrs Browne’s Fancy Repository, and under a window in the right of way between the two premises. Fortunately the recent wet weather had amply supplied the tanks at the back with water, and the flames were suppressed, although not without a eon. siderable amount of labor, as they had gradually crept up to the roof. Where so many worked well it might appear invidious to mention the names of those who came particularly under our notice, and we, therefore, give credit in the lump to each and all. The premises had been closed, and no lights had been used, nor had there been any smoking in the room, and the fact that the fire occurred fully two hours and a half after every one had left, is conclusive proof that the fire was the work of an incendiary. During the early part of the day we were requested to suppi ess one very important fact in connection with this attrocious act of incendiarism, for that it is an incendiarism is most clear. In addition to firing the com-posing-room, charred papers was found in one of the pigeon-holes on the Editor’s table. We hear that a reward of £3OO is to be offered by those interested, for information which will convict the culprit.