FIRE ON THE KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2676, 13 February 1866, Page 4

FIRE ON THE KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

Shortly after 12 o'clock last evening the sound of the fire-bell was again heard throughout the city, and crowds of people were speedily astir in the street?, endeavouring to discover its whereabouts. Only a very short time elapsed before the illuminated sky unmistakably indicated the vicinity, "which was found to be a handsome two-storey building, owned by Jas. Williamson, contractor, Karangahape Road, Newton, and very close to the new Congregational Church at Newton, which was so recently opened for divine service. The house, which was erected by Mr. Williamson somewhere about eighteen months ago, was a substantial two-storey building, containing eleven rooms, and was occupied by himself and wife, and two other persons. Besides the part occupied by the owner, there was a hoiwe and ahop occupied by Mr. Clark, greengrocer, and in these premises the fire is said to have originated, flames having been seen in the shop shortly after 12 o'clock by a person passing, and immediately afterwards by the policeman on duty in the neighbourhood. The alarm was immediately given, aucT steps taken to awaken the occupants of ths premises, by bursting in the door. The occupants of adjoining premises were awoke by the noise, and by cries of fire. The flames, however, had obtained such firm hold of the building by this time that no hope oE "-aving any part of it could be entertained, but little possibility even remaining of rescuing property of the occupants. Mr. Williamson had barely time to put on a portion of his clothing before the flames spread to his part of the premises. Mr. Clark and Mr. Green, who occupied the remainder of the building, were also in a similar position, being unable to save any of their property from the rapidity with which the flames extended and enveloped the building. A wood-turner's shed; occupied by Mr. Swinnerton, situate.., between the building and the Star Hotel on the west side, was dragged into the road in order to prevent the, flames extending to the nearest building— the Star Hotel. By this means not only was the hotel saved, but the Newton Congregational Church, which is almost adjaceut. Mr. Williamson was away from home until about 8.30 p.m., when he returned, and upon arriving at the house spoke to Clark, the occupier of the house in which the fire originated. He then went into the house, and retired to bed shortly before 9 o'clock ; being awakened by hearing the neighbours knocking at Clarks door, anl crying "Fire," about 12 o'clock. A two-roomed house at the rear of the building was occupied by a man named Green, a carpenter, and was totally destroyed. The eleven-roomed house was insured for £400 in the Victoria Fire and Marine Insurance Company, but the cost of the erection, it is stated, exceeded double that amount. The only articles of furniture which Mr. Williamson had time to save were two boxes. The City Board water carts and the iTorfchern fire-engine were dragged to the scene of the conflagration, but owinsj to the distance the fire had almost expended itself before they arrived.