DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

Auckland Examiner, Volume IV, Issue 277, 30 June 1860, Page 2

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.

On Thursday evening, shortly after 9 o’clock, the fire bells gave the alarm. The streets were soon alive with Militia-men, Horse Gavalry, Volunteer Rifles, Sailors from Iler Majesty’s ship “Iris,’’ &c, and the inhabitants nen, women, and children were hurrying to he sccite. Mr. Poole’s house, next to the William Denny Hotel, was in a blaze. It

was thought possible at first that the William Denny might be saved. But water to supply the engines was not at hand at this time, and the flames extended in spite of the efforts of the firemen. The engines seemed weak and proved no check to the flames. Ihe William Denny having caught fire the greatest efforts were then made to prevent the house on the opposite corner from catching, which would most likely take all before it, to Connell and Riding's store. Men employed appeared to be running through flames —the heat was so great that blankets were put over the men in charge of the engines pipes, and water continually dashed on them to allow them as long as possible to stand their ground. All efforts were unavailing till the flames had subsided. The military engine arrived and played well on the side of Lorrigan’s house,' and kept it from e itching at the side. Meanwhile the top of the house where the engines could not reach had caught fire. Ladders were procured and men ascended them from Queen-street, and in a short time two or three engines were soon playing in full force on the part that had caught. A general cry was made at this time for water. Fortunately there happened to be a good supply of water in Mr. Sommerville’s cellar. Access to this was obtained immediately—a bucket party with a good supply of buckets was arranged from the cellar to the engines. This soon gave a check to the flames, and people began to breathe freely seeing the end of the devouring element. W’hile the water was playing on Lorrigan’s roof it was answering a double purpose —a great quantity passing over and cooling the ashes of the Denny. It was a complete scene —military men, police, sailors, firemen, carters, and all, indeed, appeared to be doing their best There was plenty of energy and zeal, but a want of organization. Many ran great risk of their lives. There was but little wind at the time —not even so much as to carry off the sparks Over the burning houses and for a considerable distance the air was filled with clouds of sparks which would have had a- dangerous appearance had not the roofs of the houses of late been well soaked with rain. The shops between Gundry’s and Connell’s stere suffered from the axes, and general demolition. It was thought that nothing would stop the spread of the flames except by bringing one or. two of them to the ground. Those in charge of Gundry’s were determined to run the risk. It would have been well if the other property-holders had come to the same conclusion.

Pilkington’s and Poole’s are completely burnt out. and all lost. The origin of the fire is not known yet. It will cause considerable loss and privation in several families whose business premises have been destroyed to prevent woise evil.