DESTRUCTION OF THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE BY FIRE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2378, 30 October 1880, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF THE MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE BY FIRE.

SECOND EDITION

One of the most imposing, if not disastrous fires, that Timaru has witnessed for years took place last evening, when the wooden structure variously known as the Mechanics’ Institute, the (Queen’s Hall, and the Public Library underwent the ordeal of cremation. The building, situated in North street, near the Court house and police station, was a relic of by-gone days—being entirely constructed of wood and iron, and modelled after that antedeluvian style of architurc which Noah is supposed to have introduced when he constructed his ark. It was built, we believe, about eighteen years ago, and though it has been a useful public servant, it has, we believe, disappeared at length without many sighs of regret save possibly by the Insurance Companies concerned. Being one of the largest wooden buildings in South Canterbury—for the Queen's Hall which formed one of the apartments, was capable of seating 000 or 700 of an audience —it naturally made a very conspicuous bonlire. The ilames broke out apparently in the Queen’s Hall shortly before 10 o’clock. How the fire originated is a matter of doubt. For the past few days the Hall has been the scene of the Cl lurch of England Bazaar, but the fair was over and everything with the exception of the woodwork of the stalls and a few trilling articles, had been cleared away by 0 p.m. The last to leave the hall was Mr Smith, the bazaar packcr-up, and he handed the key to the librarian, who is stated to have locked up the building immediately afterwards. A variety of rumors are afloat; one is to| the effect that the fire originated through some of the embellishments of the stalls igniting ; another that the sheet of flame spread all over the roof as if there had been an explosion of gas. The fire bell gave but a faint warning, as if in addition to its cracked voice, it was husky from cold, but nevertheless a very large crowd soon assembled. One of the first and coolest on the ground was His Worship the Mayor, who was followed speedily by the police, the crowd, and then the Fire Brigade with their

engines. By this time the flames, which began between the centre and the rear of the building, had obtained a complete mastery. A number of civilians who were early on the ground, utilised a couple of window shutters as hand carts, and after a number of trips succeeded in transplanting the public library to the opposite footpath, whence it was transported into the adjacent cottages. In this way the whole of the extensive and valuable collection of books were saved. The firemen on arriving with their engines and horse fools ran about in a half frantic manner, while some of the members of police danced a kind of war-dance in front of the crowd, a portion of whom getting gradually excited played a game of leap-frog over the empty hose. For a time a small jet of water was played on a muss of llamo which a river could hardly have conquered. This was followed by an effort to extinquish the slates of the Court-house, and thou finally the yard itself came in for a cold bath. The most practical and valuable service was done in preventing the fire from spreading to the cottage alongside of the institute occupied byMr Plante,of Gahitcs and Plante, ihe family and furniture wore fortunately removed at an early stage, and a number of firemen directed their united energies to saving the building. At one time their eJtorts seemed hopeless, as only a few feet separated the premises, and the heat was so great that lookerson on the opposite side of the street had to protect their faces with their hands. Despite the heat of the llamcs, which roared like a raging furnace alongside of them, the firemen worked incessantly, some on the roof of the cottage, others in the passage, keeping jets of water constantly playing on the blankets that were spread over the exposed side of the building. Ex-fireman Turnbull's conduct was heroic in the extreme, for he stood enveloped in a blanket, directing the nozzle against the timber while his comrades kept drenching him with water, which was speedily converted into steam. The appearance of a human figure swathed in woollen and steaming like a hot potatoe under a temperature that would cook eggs or grill a steak' evoked many an admiring comment, and many were the regrets expressed that the owner of such heroic fortitude and endurance should bo au cx-mcmbcr of our gallant brigade. The lire raged for fully an hour, and while it lasted the spectacle was a grand one. To make the reflection of lurid (lamesjof different hues, some red others above the burningziuc a beautiful blue, still more impressive by contrast, the gas, by orders of the Mayor, was turned off at the gaswork, and the town was enveloped in darkness. Witnessed from the front through the arched doors and windows, it seemed as if one was looking into a furnace at white-heat. The streets in the vicinity were lined with spectators, but the utmost order was preserved, and men and women looked on as quietly as if they were gazingat some diorama or theatrical representation. Nearly the whole of the property destroyed was covered by insurance. There were two pianos on the premises, one, a grand piano, belonging to the Institute, the other being the property of Mr J. R. Stansell. Both were destined. The building, hooks, and piano were insured for £2300 in the following offices: —South British, ,£7OO ; Liverpool, London, and Globe, £9OO ; Transatlantic, £7OO. Of the total. £IOO was ou the piano, and £4OO on the books.