THE VERY LATEST.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 253, 31 October 1870, Page 2

THE VERY LATEST.

CHRISTCHURCH

October 26. — The Lyttelton relief fund now reaches £500, but there has been no time as yet to receive anything from the districts oustside Christchurch.— By the arrival of the Taranaki, yesterday, we are in receipt, by the courtesy of Captain Wheeler and Mr. Moss, purser, of the following :—A little before ten o'clock, on Monday evening, the fire broke out in a bookseller's shop, ocsupied by Mr. Cathro, adjoining the Queen's Hotel. We are informed that | the fire could have been stopped here had there been any water procurable ; as it was, however, the Queen's caught almost immediately, and was entirely consumed in less than a quarter of an hour. The flames swept across to the other side of the street, and thus both sides were ■ in. flamea at the same time. In Oxford-street, the stores of Messrs. Dransfield tsni Hawkins, the office of the Lyttelton Times, Canterbury Hotel, and other small buildings were totally destroyed, and the fiery element, in raging rapidly down Newcastle Quay, destroyed Dalgettv's stores, which were filled with wines and spirits. All the shops between Dalgetty's stores and the Saxon Hotel, were totally destroyed. Cameron Brothers, Taylor and Co.'s, and the Robin Hood Hotel were also consumed. The scene at the Rising Sun Hotel, London-street, is described by Captain Wheeler, as being particularly grand, and the whole scene one of the most intense excitement. When the Christchurch Fire Brigade arrived by a special train, at 1 o'clock, they were received by a most excited crowd of people, and wero almost drugged to the scene of conflagration. The Brigade acted remarkably well, and were well officered. The first attempt was to save the Mitre Hotel, and they were successful in the attempt. Christchurch is almost empty, and the most unbounded sympathy with the sufferers prevails. The train containing the Fire Brigade returned at a quarter to four o'clock, amid the tumultuous applause of the Lytteltonians. Thirty-nine houses and places of business were destroyed, and the amount of damage done is estimated at £100,000. Captain Wheeler was at one time greatly afraid of the Taranaki catching fire, and it was only by dint of constantly keeping the hose playing upon the Telegraph Office and Matheson's store that he was able to escape therefrom. Mr. Hargreaves' stone building caught fire twice, but was on both occasions quickly extinguished. The women and children of the various townspeople were running about in an almost frantic state, and the Provincial Hall was opened for their reception until some better plans could be adopted. Captain Wheeler also threw open the Taranaki for their temporary accommodation.