ALARM OF FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 308, 30 December 1891, Page 9

ALARM OF FIRE.

CHINAMAN CHARGED WITH ARSON'

It is probably due to the shrewdness of Datective Chrystal that an extensive and destructive fire in Queen-street was averted to-day. About noon, he was passing through Lome-street, when his nostrils wore assailed by a strong smell of burn ing timber. He looked round for the cause, and in a neighbouring yard which proved to be that of Mr James Ah Kow, a Chinese fancy goods dealer, he saw an ascending , cloud of smoke. A small storehouse of galvanised iron was on fire, and the detective was surprised to see a Chinaman gazing contentedly at tho burning structure, as if the demolition were a matter of gratification to him. Chrvfctal made his way through the premises of Messrs Garlick and Cranwell, to Mr Ah Kew's shop, and accosting the person in charge asked him if he knew the premises were on tire. The reply was in the negative. The detective then ran through to th 6 rear of the shop, calling for help, which was soon forthcoming from the neighbours. The timely application of water from buckets pub an end to the fire. Meanwhile the fire-bells had been rung, and the Fire Brigage were called out, bub too late to be of service. The Chinaman who was still looking en complacently admitted that ho had set the structure on lire, saying they did nob require it and he was burning it down. Detective Chrystal took him into custody on a charge of arson, and he pave the name of Hoo Ping. The shed was a small one, only a few feeb square, bub was 14 feet in height, and while the value of it was inconsiderable, the danger in such close proximity to wooden shops containing valuable stocks of goods was considerable. Great credit is due to Detective Chrystal for his prompt and energetic action in extinguishing the fire.