FIRE IN CITY EAST SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2507, 6 April 1878, Page 2

FIRE IN CITY EAST SCHOOL BUILDINGS.

OWING to the fact that the fire in the new City East school-buildings broke out last evening just as we were going to press, we were unable to give more than a brief notice of the event. From fdrther inquiries we learn that the alarm was fir»t given by Mrs Rist, cf the Police Barracks, who noticed smoke issuing from a fan-light in the school-build-ing. Constable Strathern, who was at the barracks, was one of the first to arrive. He at first endeavoured to obtain access to the building by one of the windows, but failing in this, burst in the main door. He then found that the door of the room in which was the fire, was locked, and again he forced it in. Smoke then came forth in a thick volume. The constable seized a floor mat and quickly extinguished the fire, which appeared to be centred under the table. Constable McDowell also arrived with a bucketful of water, by the use of which and the timely aid of Mr." Greenwood, Mr. Macfarlane, and others the fire was effectually put out. Another eyewitness, however, informs us that Mr. Greenwood broke open the outer door with a mighty kick, and not the constable. Examination disclosed a waste paper basket almost burnt, and the floor-cloth and scrim on the walls considerably charred. Mr. R. Feltus observed the fire simultaneously with the first, and immediately raised an alarm, sending one lad for Mr Worthington, and another to ring tbe nearest firebell. The fire brigade and police were promptly on the ground. The room in which the fire originated was used as an office by Mr. Worthington, head teacher, and Mr. Nicholson, his assistant. Mr. Worthington states that he locked up the school house at 4 o'clock, when there were no signs of fire. He believes the fire was caused by an unextinguished match being thrown into the waste ?aper basket, which was under the table, 'he building was insured in the Union Company for £2,000, and we believe the agent of the company has agreed to repair the damage done at once, and the work will be completed to-day.

On inquiry at the office of the Board of Education we learn that it is not their intention to lay on the water to the building further than at present. Water is now laid on to the closets and urinals, and the pipes extend along the street in front of the building.