FIRE AT GREYMOUTH.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1046, 14 February 1873, Page 4

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH.

DESTRUCTION OF STRIKE AND BLACKMOEE'S BREWERY. [grey biter argus.] About 2 o'clock this morning (lltb inst.) fire was observed in a cottage in Arney street, between its junction with Gresson street and Mawhera Quay. Those who noticed it, including some members of the police force, ran to the rescue, rather than to the bell, and the consequence was that the fire had a good hold before the alarm was given. When it was given, the Brigade and the residents generally turned out with great rapidity, and found that the fire was rapidly destroying a row of cottages fronting Arney street, and, driven by a strong gorge wind, was rapidly travelling westward, threatening the destruction of the, whole block, including Strike and Blackmore's large brewery. The flames, fanned by the wind, speedily ran through the adjoining cottages, took possession of what was once the Criterion Hotel, at the corner of Arney and Gresson streets, and after destroying a number of intermediate small buildings, the flames licked up the walls of the large and extensive works of Strike and Blackmore, brewers and cordial manufacturers, which were speedily enveloped in a mass of flames. The building was a large three-storey one, containing a vast amount of valuable plant and machinery, but it soon fell a prey to the flames, and a very few minutes after the bell rang it was a heap of smouldering ruins. . Next to the brewery was a four-roomed cottage, which was speedily destroyed, formerly occupied by Mr Blackmore, but fortunately he had left it for a house on the terrace only a few days before, so that his household property, at least, was saved. Owing to the number of cottages in the block, it was impossible in the excitement of the fire, to ascertain the actual amount of damage done, but we should say that about ten houses are gone, in addition to Strike and Black- • more's large brewery. Beyond this the fire was prevented spreading, owing to the Fire Brigade pulling down a cottage, and, having got their hose in order, fought the flames both front and rear, and speedily reduced the conflagration to a smouldering heap of ruins. Once the alarm was given the Fire Brigade turned out with commendable alacrity, and were soon at work with both engines on the river bank. We regret to say, however, that their efforts to get the flames under were bo badly seconded by those who stood idly by with their hands in their pockets instead of taking a spell at the engines. During the heat of the fire there was a rumor afloat that two children had been burned in one of the cottages fronting Arney street, but the Fire Brigade made every search in the direction indicated, and failed to obtain any indication of such a catastrophe. Two hours afterwards the children were found to be safe in a cottage on the opposite side of Gresson street. As to the total amount of the loss, it must be over £sooo—£4ooo alone of which must be borne by Messrs Strike and Blackmore, and there was not a penny of insurance on the block. There is very little to add to the hurried report we gave yesterday of the destructive fire which occurred on Monday morning in the block of buildings bounded by Gresson and Arney street, and which caused the total destruction of a number of small houses, the old Criterion Hotel, and the extensive premises of Messrs Strike and Blackmore, brewers. It is ascertained that the fire originated in a disreputable house kept by a Mrs Williams, but she is unable to account for its origin. Perhaps the inquiry, which will be held by the Coroner, will throw some light on the subject. The members of the Fire Brigade worked with great energy until the flames were entirely subdued, and yesterday a close watch was kept over the smouldering ruins, in case of fresh outbreak. As we mentioned yesterday, there was no insurance whate/er on the destroyed buildings, and universal sympathy was yesterday expressed in town with Messrs Strike and Blackmore in their severe loss. As a number of poor families were burned out, escaping only with their lives, it is highly necessary that a public effort should be made to provide them with clothing, &o. With this object in view, two gentlemen yesterday canvassed a portion of the town, and collected about £2O. Those who subscribed are requested to m<?et to-night at Hunt's Club Hotel, for the purpose of electing a committee for the immediate relief of the most necessitous cases.

'My dear,' said a husband to his affectionate,better, halfj after a matrimonial squabble,' you will never be permitted to go to heaven.' ' Why not ?' ' Because you will be wanted as a torment down below !' A poor fellow who was compelled to pawn his watch said that he' raised' the money with a lever. A man has sued his barber for cutting off his moustache. The barber says he didn't see it.