FIRE IN WAKEFIELD-STREET

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 211, 5 September 1892, Page 3

FIRE IN WAKEFIELD-STREET

A hue occurred about 0.30 o'clock yostor day morning nb tho grocery establishment of Mr Jume.i Hill, situated at the cornor of Aberorotnbio and Wakefield - streets. It was first discovered by Miss Bridget Woston and Mr lionry Turton, by whom the alarm was given. Amongst tho Brat on tho sceno was Mr Robert Salmon, butcher, Aborerombie-streot, who burat in tho back door of tho shop and secured Mr Hill's books. The lire was confined to a room upstairs, arid tho prompt di.jcovfiry coupled with the quick arrival of tho Fire Brigado put an end to all danger hoforo very much damage had resulted. It was fortunate this was the caso, as there were old bills, old blinds, sacks and a keroseno tin half full of tar in the room. The cause of tho (iro has nob been ascertained. Mr Hill resides at Prospect Terrace, Mount Eden, and knew nothing of the occurrence until a cab arrived from town to bring him in. He states that he left the premises about 12.Z0 tho night previous and had boon up to the room with a lighted candlo two hours beforo that to get some onions. Ho was positive he brought tho candlo away with him, and is, therefore, unable to throw any light on the origin of the fire. The building was insured for £140, and the stock for £ 350 in the Commercial Union Office.