FIRE IN ROSS PLACE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 311, 10 December 1873, Page 3

FIRE IN ROSS PLACE.

Yesterday, at noon, a fire broke out in the butcher's shop occupied by Mr. Wm. Sheath of this town. Immediately one of the public -bells of the town rang out the alarm, and a large crowd gathered on the spot. We noticed every member of the Lawrence Town Council present, and we were pleased at the unanimity and energy displayed by them especially during the connagation. Messrs. Hills, Draper, Holmes, Davison, Robinson, and several others were conspicuously energetic. They occupied posts of danger on several occasions during the progress of the fire. But the whole crowd acted so well that it is with some reluctance we name any particular persons. Ten minutes after the fire broke out, such was the force and volume of the flames that it was quite evident Mr. Sheath's shop and back premises could not be saved. Had the flames reached Mr. Jeffeiy's fancy goods and books, it is almost certain his place would have succumbed to the flames. Consequently, the improvised fire brigade, who plied the hose with much energy and discretion, confined their attention chiefly to preventing an' attack on Mr. Jeffery's establishment. Had the latter been fired, it is almost certain that the tongues of flame would have devoured the block. The dryness of the "weather rendered ever article very fit for con--flagrafcion, but, luckily, the wind was easterly,. ■ which was very favorable for the adjoining premises occupied by Messrs. Jeffery and Hay*. As it was, one portion of the roof and verandah of Mr. Jeffery's shop caught fire, and was considerably damaged. The walls of Mr. Jeffery's house being built of brick, proved tta estimable barrier to the spreading of the fire. Wind or no wind, had the wall adjoining Mr. Sheath's shop been of wood, it is certain that none of the appliances at command could have saved Mr. Jeffery's or Mr. Hay's premises This is the first fire of any consequence that has.ever occurred in Lawrence. The tamely provision of a water supply was the theme of general and satisfactory comment when the extent of the accident was discovered. We may state that Mr. Sheath's shop was wellstocked with beef and mutton, and the usual accompaniments of a'buteher's business. A stable, well supplied with horse feed, was attached to the butcher's shop, and it ww there, it is supposed, the fire originated. At present, no good purpose can be effected by canvassing the various superficial guesses made ac to the origin of the fire. In addition to the other losses sustained by Mr. Sheath, was that of a fine mare which he recently purchased, The poor animal got outside the stable doer, and then fell dead. We are glad to state that no accident of a serious nature occurred to anyjMaaon engaged in assisting to extinguish the flames, An elderly man got a nasty fall from Mr. Jeffery's verandah, but he did not seem to be much the worse for it. We believe Mr. Sheath's losses are mostly coTcrod by insurance.