AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3378, 20 October 1879, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

This day A Tits in Auckland.

A serious fire- broke out last night in the plumbing, gasfitting, and brass founding establishment of Messrs Branston and Forster, situated in the twostory brick block known as Masefleld's buildings, Albart. street. Mr Forster, who was sleeping on the premises, was awakened by the noise of falling plaster, and found *the flames had cut off his retreat by the staircase, but he Sashed through them and gained the lower story in safety. The Brigade and Salvage corps were in prompt attendance, and a high,pressure of water being obtained, the flames were quenched, though not before they had crept along the ridge to the premises of Reynolds, lapidary. Field, printer,' and Tunny, Government Analyst. The main loss is, however, trifling, for the Salvage Corps looked well after the property. Tho damage, which may be said to be localised, amounts to about £900. Branston and Forsler bud their, stock insured in the New Zealand for £1350, and.tho building owned by Masefield iv the Hoyai for £1000. The immediate locality of the fire was the lacquer room where ga.3 jets are kept burning from Saturday night to Monday morning. A fireman named B-.ireham had the wrist of his left arm cut severely by the falling slates, and fainted from the loss of blood.