Fire. "WAIMATE TIMES" OFFICE DESTROYRD.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 14, 26 July 1900, Page 3

Fire. "WAIMATE TIMES" OFFICE DESTROYRD.

About 4.30 yesterday morning, 3 fire was discovered in tue "Waimate Times office, by Miss McCormack, who resides next door. She immediately aroused D. A. Buekiugham, whose brother-in-law, Mr Kennard, fan to the fire brigade station and gave the alarm. By this time the flames had a good hold of the front of the building, in winch the fire Btfems to have started. The building being a very old wooden one, th.3 flames spread rapidiy to the sides and rear. On the north side is a brick shop and dwelling-house, owned by Mr Maberly and occupied by Miss McCormack. On the south side is a wooden Bhop with dwellingrooms altacbAd, Hie prope: tj of Mr B. E- Boyd, and occupied by Mr A. Baker, bootmaker. The fire brigade, which was smartly on the scene, turned 4heir attention to the latter building, as nothing could be done to save the Times office. Tue pump was afcationed at the Union Bank corner, and a stream of water wav soon playing on the Raines, which already covered the side of Mi Boyds premises. In au incredibly short space of time, Captain Sinclair, who manipulated the hos», had this side aa£e. The oth-ir, being of brick did not suffer to a great extent, the burning of . tha window fraraea being the only damage Owing to the absence of any wind, the fire was mnch easier to deal with than would bo supposed. The flamss gradually subsided, enabling the brigade to effect nally pat out small fires that were constantly occurring in Mr Boyds premises. The origin of the fire is a mystery. The office had not b*en opened the evening bwforfe, and both the back and front doors were locked when the -fire was discovered. As it is only three woeks ago aince the ollica was found on fire on a band.iy night, it sssms highly probable that an incendiary has been at work. Mr M. Smith, who has leased the business for the last fourteen yaai-d, had no insurance on bid stock. He aho loses his bicycle, 'vbich. had been loft in the office. The building w;ie owned by Major fltew-u-d and the plant by Mr Yv. W. Wilson, both being insured. Great piaiso is due to Captain Sinclair and the members of the tire brig. 1 .. 1 a for the manner in which r.hey coped with the fi:v. Under the former's able guidance, not a drop of sraier was allowed to be wasted, and when ths die tmoe brtw.-en the two buildings (both of wood) is taken into consideration, and the limited supply of wnfcer, it is a matter for astmiishmmic as to how the brigade maniged to do such splendid work. General sympathy is expressed for Mr Smith, and wo are sure everyone will be pleased to see him established in Waimate again at the earlie.it possibility. Speaking for ourselves, our plant and staff wory placed at the disposal of Mr Smith early on Wednesday morning, bat he thought that he would have to forego one is^i* it teast.