TIMARU.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3045, 18 November 1878, Page 2

TIMARU.

Saturday.

An inquest on the bodies of Mrs Drew and infant has been Held, and a verdict of of "accidental death" returned. The jury added a rider strongly anitaadverting on the construction of a building similar to the one wherein the accident occurred, and request the Coroner to forward to the proper quarter an intimation that the erection of buildings be properly supervised in future. It came out in evidence that the roof was not connected in any way with the walls of the building.

Gales and Fires.

The fire at Waimate is still burning, and the town had a narrow escape from

destruction. At one time the flames were within a quarter of a mile of the town, when the wind fortunately shifted. The fire commenced at the top of a hill, and cleared everything before it. The Fire Brigade and ihe settlers saved several from being burnt to death. The houses of Theobald and family i and many others in the neighborhood, have been burned down. The force ofHhe giOe and heat prevented the people from saving them. The loss is estimated at about £70,000. The scone i» described yesterday and to-day as most exciting, wagons and trucks were dashing about, furniture being frantically piled on them in a most heterogeneous manner. Many wore making their way to town on foot, laden with small articles, and when the wind shifted, to a more southern point, the fire wat blown along with amazing rapidity In removing one family Eeckman'* horse bolted, the buggy capsized, and the man's leg wai broken, and children much bruised. Studholme's, one of the largest mills, had a very narrow escape. It was at one time completely surrounded by fire. He was much burnt in riding through the flame ; also his manager, Pott«. One brave young fellow risked his life; to save a woman and child, and although much burnt, succeeded in saving their lires. While galloping through the flames a woman's dress caught fire, and her legs and body were much scorched. Matty have broken limbs. Towards dusk yesterday not a single house was left standing at the edge of the bush. The poor creatures were brought to town, and over twenty families were housed in the immigration barracks, provisions of. all kinds being forwarded to them. On risiting the barracks the scene was a touching one, many women bemoaning their loss* and even one or two half demented. A meeting of the Council and citizens is now being held to forward relief. Still great anxiety is felt for a number of persons residing near the bush. . < Later. ■ ';' This day. Mac Donald's Bush at Geraldine was destroyed by fire; A deal of valuable timber was still smouldering in some parts of the bush yesterday. The damage done at Waimate bush is enormous. Studholme estimates his at £40,000; Bickman's bush and out-buildings, £400; L. Price, £100; Barrett's mill and machine, £800; Theobald's bush and house were all destroyed, leaving himself, wife and chilren with nothing. Twenty-seven families are left houseless and penniless, and each loses from £100 upwards. At 5 p.m. on Saturday the fire was still raging fiercely. Potts, who went to search for Studholme, was severely burnt, and suffered much on Saturday, but the doctors say he is not in immediate danger.