FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 56, 11 December 1871, Page 2

FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE MUSIC HALL, SYMONDS STREET. At an early hour yesterday morning, the Music Hall in Symonds-street, recently erected on the site of the one previously destroyed by fire, followed its predecessor’s fate, and was reduced to ashes, by the hand, it is feared, in this as on the former occasion, of an incondiary. A blackened chimney stack and a few charred pillars arc all that remain of this once handsome and appropriate building, which the Choral Society, aided by the public, have twice put up for the purpose of their musical which have been so popular amongst the music-loving portion of the population in Auckland, by no means a small section of the community. About 2 o’clocka.m. yesterday the alarm of fire was given from the bells in Wake-field-street and other parts of the city, and notwithstanding the early hour, a considerable number of the inhabitants were quickly at the scene of action. The blaze from the burning building, which was of wood and very d y from the hot weather and absence of rain lately, illuminated the whole city, and at one time great fears were entertained for the safety of the buildings at the corner of Symonds-street and Grafton Road, and every precaution had to be taken by the occupants to avert the danger which threatened them, and happily they succeeded in effecting their object. So quickly did the fire spread that although the fire engines were outlie spot shortly after the alarm was given, assistance did not arrive in time to prevent the total destruction of this valuable property. There can be little doubt of this being the act of an incendiary. Rags soaked in kerosene were found close to the spot, and it is said that a man was seen to run towards the Domain with a bucket just at the time of the occurrence. There was a scarcity of water, unfortunately, as there has often been before at fires in Auckland, and this militated against the building being saved. It is now about ten months since the former Music Hall was destroyed, together with a large quantity of the Choral Society’s instruments, and other property under very similar circumstances. It is fortunate for the Opera troupe now at the Thames that they have determined to remain here a little longer, otherwise the probabilities are that a large portion of their valuable music, instruments, and effects would have been taken up to Auckland on Saturday and stored in this very building just in time to be consumed. Great indignation is felt at the perpetration of the terrible crime of arson for a second time being exercised in this same place, for it is impossible to conceive it to have been an accidental occurrence ; and it is to be hoped that such a liberal reward will lie offered for such information as will lead to the conviction of the offenders, as will result in their being brought to justice. We understand that fortunately the music and instruments were saved; also that the building was insured in the New Zealand Insurance Company’s office for £2,000.