DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1338, 4 August 1883, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Last night, about 10 o’clock, the warning notes of the fire-bell was heard, and on emerging out on the Gladstone road it was seen that the store of Mr. D. M. Orr was on fire. It appears that as Mr M‘Bride was passing across the section adjoining the store, on hi? way home to Grey street, he happened to look round at the rear of Mr Orr’s store, and was surprised to see the reflection of fire through the windows. He immediately ran and gave an alarm to Mr Clayson, who took steps to secure the safety of his little ones. He next directed his attention to the burning pre-

misei, but found them one mass of fire in-. ?iide, The flames spread rapidly, and it wm soon seen that nothing whatever could be done to a&ve the store. All energies were directed in endeavoring to prevent the de* struction of the adjoining promisee, which stood in imminent peril. A large quantity of firewood which was stacked between the buildings, and would shortly have carried the fire across the intervening apace, together with sign boards, was speedily pulled down, and large quantities carried beyond the. influence of the devouring element. Conspicuous in this work was the Napier team. In spite of this precaution, it soon became evident that unless the water arrived within a short time Clayson’s shop must go. Wet blankets were hung where practicable, and all his goods were thrown out pell mell and carried over the road, but they might as well have been burnt, for his show glasses and crockery were smashed, and things trodden under foot in the mud and slush in a disgraceful manner. But what Mr Clayson complains most about is the way in which his things were looted. His till was emptied of some £B, and hie goods taken away wholesale. Just at the last moment, when all hope of saving the old Pharmacy had fled,, the hose, w’hich had been for some time laid along, filled, and at first a feeble stream, was quickly followed by a good jet, which assured the safety of the adjoining premises, though too late to save a vestige of Mr Orr’s store, which was completely destroyed. Mr Orr must be a great loser, as he was only insured in the South British for £250. The want of a properly organised brigade was painfully apparent. We deeply sympathise with Mr Clayson, who has in the short time has been here, had nothing but misfortune, having been twice robbed, and now nearly ruined.

The building was insured for £3OO in the North British. Mr. Orr’s stock, which was worth between £7OO and £BOO, was only insured for £250. He recently allowed two policies to lapse. Mr. Clayson estimates his loss at £2OO. Mr. Moore sustained a considerable loss in damaged blankets, which were wet and thrown over the heated iron. Mr James Clayson informs us that he has found his till, which had been placed under the Good Templars Hall, with 3d in it. When taken it contained six one pound notes one half sovereign, and a quantity of silver.

We hear that Mr Bishop, with his usual liberality, has told Mr Clayson to get any repairs done that were necessary and has also given him a month’s residence free. These actions “ speak volumes.” Mr Clayson also says that he cannot sufficiently thank Sergt. Bullen, Mr Townley and others, who he says “ worked like niggers ” in helping him to save his property. It is not correct, as stated, that the manual engine was the first to throw water. The steam engine was the first, and would have thrown water some ten minutes sooner, had not inexperienced hands pulled the hose asunder. We do not know the state of the tide, but the engine certainly did great service.