FIRE IN GLADSTONE ROAD.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 123, 5 May 1884, Page 2

FIRE IN GLADSTONE ROAD.

When the congregations of the various Churches were returning home after morning service yesterday, the alarming notes of the firebell pealed forth, breaking the solemn stillness of the Sabbath, and startling many of the inhabitants. The cause of the alarm was soon discovered, and a general rush was made up Gladstone Road, to Mr. W. Tattley’S residence, at the rear of which dense columns of smoke could be seen issuing. The building on fire was detached from the hour.e by about some three or four yards, and before any material aid could be given, the fire had gained a good firm hold, so that it was found impossible to save it. The bystanders were apparently determined that the large building should not be sacrificed without a struggle, though they were at a great disadvantage on account of having to

go to the adjacent houses for water. Buckets to the number of something like twenty were quickly brought into requisition and Mr. W. O. Skeet and others, ascended the stairs and kept the upper portion of the building safe by the constant application of water, which was handed up to them by those below, who were engaged in the same way with the lower portion, which was in imminent danger, and caught fire several times, but no sooner was it observed than it was douced out by the constant application of water from the buckets. This lasted for about half-an-hour, at the end of which time it was evident the large building was saved. The Brigade rolled up when the fire was more than half burnt out. They could not render much assistance, as the supply of water had almost run out, and very little of that element could then be obtained; but all danger was passed, and soon nothing remained but the smouldering debt is. Theex.?? mgly prompt manner in which the Brigade rolled

up does them great credit. It was a miracle how the fire was kept fiom spreading to the larger building, and had it not been for the united efforts of Messrs. W. O. Skeet, A. A. George, Allom, Warren, Turton and in fact of everybody present, the flames must hr.ve spread, and the neighboring dwellings also have gone. During the fire a good deal of the furniture was removed to the opposite side of the road, though nothing was saved from the the building that was burned. Much damage has been caused through the fire, as window’s were smashed in, fences, and other outhouses were pulled down, in order that the progress of the flames might be stayed. It is not exactly known how the fire originated. It appears that the destroyed building was used as a kitchen, and the dinner was being cooked there. Just before the dinner hour the place was shut up, and left vacant with a good fire in the tire place, while the necessary preparations for the dinner were being made inside the dwelling house. Mr. Tattley’s son, who was playing about outside, observed smoke issuing from the kitchen, and gave the alarm that the place was on tire, and when Mr. Fenton who was first on the spot, arrived, the whole room was on fire. Nothing could immediately be done, as there v/as no water at hand, and by the time it was brought, the fire had a firm hold. It is supposed that a log of wood must have fallen out of the fireplace and ignited the flooring. The whole building was insured for £6OO in the Imperial and Norwich Union Companies.