LATER PARTICULARS.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 152, 30 June 1887, Page 5

LATER PARTICULARS.

The £r& originated at the Criterion Hotel. It was first discovered by Master George Carter, who was an invalid, and was sleep; ing at the West end of the building, the room he occupied being immediately over the dining-room. Hand grenades and such water as was available, were thrown on; the flames, but without avail. The | firp Brigade were promptly on the spot, steam being got up in the engine in ten minutes. A powerful stream of water was played on the burning pile, but the fire had obtained too great a bold and rapidly spread, with the result previously telegraphed. The 'scene baffled description, arid'the" fire seemed beyond human efforts. The pulling down o|v Mr__ J3. _Macali3.ter's ..office,...sav.edi the National Bank, and prevented the. fire from 'spreading up Higk - street. The Brigade Station was twice on fire, but the engineer and assistants, bravely stuck to the steam fire - engine, which was stationed inside the shed. Great credit is due to the brigade for the plucky way they stuck to* their duty against heavy odds and intense heat. '

The insurances, so for as at [present can be gathered, are as follows :—South British, L 1,350 ; Standard, L 3,305 ; Liverpool and Globe, L' 2,950 ; Royal, Ll,ooo ;- Norwich Union, L 1,300 : Victoria, L 875 ; National, L 90 0; Northern, L 800; New Zealand, L 4,200; Equitable, L 1.350 : Colonial, L 1.350 ; Pkcenix, L 5.425. The minor risks are not yet obtainable.