A FALSE ALARM OF FIRE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 251, 24 April 1880, Page 2

A FALSE ALARM OF FIRE.

The inhabitants of Temuka were put into a stvte of excitement on Thursday evening. About 7 p.m. the fire-bell rang out its warning notes with groat violence, and in a twinkling the streets were aiivo with people enquiring the where;ib< uts of the fire. Tlio fire engine was quickly got out, was soon mnnned, and off in a second for the hceno of the fire, which was supposed to bo near the Opihi Bridge, where the flames wero ween to ascend. Wending our way towards tho c< nflugration, we heard all sorts of surmises as to tho scene of the firo. One said that it wns Spilbme's Hotel ; another said it was tho Opihi Railway Bridge ; another reckoned that it wus the Opihi Traffic Bridge. When the latter bridge was said to be tho scene of the fire, a sigh of relief seemed to escape thoso present, and not a few expressed a hope that tine its days were over ; many said if that was the case, there would be a chance of getting a new bridge. Nearing the glaro, it turned out to bo a gorse fence on the south side of the river. The engine was at once taken back to the shed. On making enquiry, it turned out to be that a young vagabond had mng the bell for a bit of fun. Now, this piece of conduct ought to be severely punished, if one knew how to do it. It is no trifling matter to havo the firemen and tho public aroused without causo. The alacrity shown by tho Firo Brigade is worthy of all praise, considering tho little encouragement it rccvi>es from the owners of property. It Udls still more to thoir credit ; but if such prank* aro flowed to bo played with impunity it m&y load to serioua ouiixo-(jUcnc-3, possibly loss of l : fc It is to be hoped' our vigilaiu police will koep a watchful oyo upon these young rascals.