LYTTELTON.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7803, 5 March 1891, Page 6

LYTTELTON.

i A little before ore o'clock tnw (Thoreday) roornng a fire broke oat on the premises of the Canterbury Grass Seed Cleaning Company, situated on Norwich Quay Xyttelton. Flames were seen bursting through the roof by Captitn Abbot, Harbor Board night watchman, and the brigade were quickly on the spot. The water supply from the hydrant was at first weak, but improved alter a little time. The first thine done was to get the horses out of the stables adjoining the building, which was accomplished successfully. The flames, which were very fierce owing to the age of the building and the inflammable nature of the contents, appeared to have originated in the rear pare of the building, where the engine room is situated, the motive power of the machinery being a ten-horse power engine. The premises, which were of galvanised iron, were formerly occupied by Mr H. Hawkins ab a store, and then by Messrs Dransfield and Co., wine and spirit merchants. About eighteen months ago they were taken by Mr C. Lees, who erected the grass seed cleaning machinery, aud as a seed cleaning establishment the building was used up to the time of the fire. The present time of the year ie a very busy one in the grass seed trade, large quantities coming from the Bays, and the store was filled with seed. Ihe employees had lately been working in day and night shifts. Work had proceeded last night up to twelve o'clock, when the men knocked off, and they, were to commence again at one o'clock. wone ol the men had any idea as to the origin of the fire, which is at present unknown. Owing to the exertions of the Fire Brigade, who worked very well, the fire was not allowed to spread, though the premises of the Bank of New Zealand on the right hand side, and those of Auderson, sailmaker, on the left hand, were enveloped in smoke and sparks, and appeared at times to be in danger. Neither of them, however, suffered auy damage. A man named Williams, a carter, wno was sleepiug in a shed near the store, had a narrow escape. He was awakened by the crackling of tbe flames in the timber overhead, and just, managed to get outside in time. The building vyas owned by Mr J. T. Fisher, of church. No particulars as to the value of the stock destroyed or the amount of insurance were obtainable last night, but the loss is expected to be very considerable, as but very little of the grass seed was saved. At 2.30 a.m. the fire was practically extinguished, though the grass seed was still smouldering.