GAS EXPLOSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3382, 30 May 1881, Page 2

GAS EXPLOSION.

A HOUSK DKBTUOYKD AT DEVONI'OUT.

SOME alarm was created iv town last evening by a oxeeadiunly bright rollcction of lire in the direction of tim North Shore. It seemed to be a consider ible disUiio oil', but appearances were deceptive. The eausu of the lire on tho Beach Koad, Devonport, which rcsulied ill tlie ill «tru=tion ot a thr.'eroomed building, eighteen foot by twelve feet, which is situated in the yard of a house on the Grammar School reserve, occupied by Mr Edward J. Cox, Haddlor. It has been used by Mr Cox as a washhouse and storeroom, and for some mouths past he has beeu in the habit of manufacturing hi.s own gas in one of the rooms. Last evening, h'J was lighting a liunp there \vhoa the flarao suddenly (hired up, aud iv an instant the whole place was on lire. Mr Cox believes the suddenness of the ignition was owing to the fact that gas had escaped, and was hanging about the room. Constable Moar and a number of neighbours assembled, and by keeping the roof of the main house, which was about 20 yards distant, we'l saturated with water from the tanks, they succeeded in preventing the spread of the lire. Nothing was saved from the (died, which contained two gas engines, a quantity of gas apparatus, gardening tooU, household utensils', &c. Mr Cox estimates his loss at about £40. The shed was owrW by Mr Goudry aud was not insured. Mr Goudry i.s also the owner of the main house in which Mr Cox resides.