FIRE AT HAMILTON EAST.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 698, 5 December 1876, Page 2

FIRE AT HAMILTON EA ST.

Ow Sunday night last, about 9.30 o'clock afireocsured on the premises of Mr Potter' butchjr of Hamilton East, which re! suited in the total detraction of the Bfcable and out-buildings adjoining the shop. It appears that a son of Mr Potter was killing sheep for gale on Monday —the weather uot permitting them to be killed till nightfall — had indeed killed,a «heep and a lamb, and had gone to the well for mor« water, leaving the candle atanding on a piece w of wood on the fence. Turning round he tap the straw neiir in a blazB, and tried to beat it out with the pelt of a sheep, but it had tjo strong a hold, and quickly seized upon the building, wrapping it in flames. He then called to his father, and ran to alarm the neighbours. Many came to the scene of the fire and rendered every awiatance, but it had got too great a hold, and the wind was blowing too strongly to enable them to do mor than save the shop, which wa» a work of some difficulty. One of th« aheep not killed was burnt alive, but Mr Potter succeeded in drawing the other out of the flames. Altogethr, as the wind was blowing it was a narrow escape for Gardiners saddlers shop, on the opposite side the street. The wind carried large flike» of burning wood on to the roof, but by the assistance of those present the danger was promptly met. Mr Potter is insured for £100, but estimates his loss at fully £150. Two sausage machines were destroyed, a, saddle, and other harnen, and a quantity of tools and butter.'