TELEGRAPHIC.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1684, 13 May 1884, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION, j . FIRE IN UPPER INGE3TEE STREET. At ten minutes past-2-o'clock this rooming yet another alarm of fire was given. We (the Times) were nnlble to glean much information about jthe outbreak, which resulted,' in a short time, in the, total destruction of the residences of Captain Steele, of the B,s. Manawatu, and Mr Preston, wine merchant. |

Later, 3.30 p.m. The Ore broke out in the house'of Captain Steele, who resided at tie corner of Xngestro and Woolcomte streets, but it was impossible to ascertain thetrao cause of it. Mr Prestoii states that lie was awakened by his dog barking, and'' shortly afterwards the flames burst thrrugh the roof of captain Steele's premises. Superintendent! Whitefordand his men were speedily oa the spot, -as also were Lieutenant Coogan, Mr Evans, and a contingent of the Salvage Corps, Tho efforts of the brigade wero,. however, rendered futile for some considerable time owing to no water being obtainable from the mains, and consequently precious time • was wasted. Before'the water was turned .on all hope of subduing the fire "was completely 'abandoned, and by this time the strong north-westerly breeze, which was blowing pretty stilly, had wafted the flames from .Mr Steele's house to the adjoining premises occupied by Mr Preston, which stood some few yards distant. The Salvage Corps worked with a will, and succeeded in rescuing some furniture from both of the tenements. The salvage, however, may bo regarded as infinitesimal. By this time upwards of 1500 persons had gathered,- on. the, scene, which was a most animated one.' The comments of the crowd relative )to the absence of a water supply weri most pronounced, and.were the reverse of complimentary to the Council. Mr Steele's house was! destroyed whilst the premises of Mr Preston were gutted It was stated that Mr Preston's house was insured in the National office for £250 and the fuaniture for £SO. , Mr Steele's house was also insured in the National for £IOO.

Auckland,; this day. Messrs. Barry and Macdonnell who hadbeciv prospecting for gold at Talma, and were arrested by the natives, have arrived here, They state Wf after their capture their specimens were taken from them, The natives then Iroughfc the' .prospectors over', to the valley of \Vaipawhere. After*a conference with Wahanui they\ were allowed to depart and came on to Auckland, ' \ . DoNedin, this day. Mr Fish, M.H. K,, intends to move for a committee of enquiry into the working of the Government Insurance Department, \