DISASTROUS FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1331, 4 November 1870, Page 2

DISASTROUS FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

At a few minutes past 10 o'clock on the evening of Monday, the 20th Ultimo, some persons in the billiard room at the Queen's Hotel noticed a crackling sound, and smoke rising from the room below, . used as a store-room. An alarm was given and an* energetic attempt made ta subdue the flames. Unfortunately the^fire had obtained a firm hold, and all efforts to stop its progress were unavailing. The; fire extended from the store-room to the Queen's hotel with great rapidity ; so much s« that nothing could be saved. The Colonists' Hall was at this time in great jeopardy, but the wind which blew strong from the N.E. diverted the flames to an empty house adjoining the Queen's, from whence it extended across the street to the shades. From this point the fire burned several empty buildings which caused it to reach Oxford street, and it then attacked a store, which was soon gutted. The Lyttelton Times office was next destroyed, and although large quautities of spirits were known to be stored in Dalgety's bond, in dangerous proximity, no effort was made to remove them. The fire then communicated with the store belonging to Mr Recce, and the bond caught fire simultaneously. By this time the fire had extended down London street, house after house was destroyed, and the people seemed paralysed, as no combined efforts were made to stay the progress pf the flames. In London street, the fire continued its course to the Bank of New Zealand, which soon succumbed. There was just time to remove the cash and books to the Bank of Australia, which was out of danger. A number of men pulled down a portion of a house, which seemed to check the fire on that side of the street. On the south side the fire continued its ravages, and it soon became evident that the buildings in the rear would become ignited, from the quantity of sparks and flakes of fire which were carried by the wind on to the roofs. It was hot until 2 a.m. that further destruction ceased.