FURTHER PARTICULARS. Christchurch, October 25.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4116, 31 October 1870, Page 3

FURTHER PARTICULARS. Christchurch, October 25.

A large quantity of provisions were sent through from Christchuvch this morning, the whole of the butchers' and bakers' shops in Lytteltou being destroyed. Out of thirteen licensedhouse^eightnavebeendestvoyed. The licensed victuallers give a performance in aid of the sufferers to-morrow, and a public subscription was opened to-day, when £190 was subscribed. Crowds of people from Christchurch visited the ruins during the day. The total loss and damage is estimated in round numbers at £100,000, while the whole amount of insurances effected is only £13, 180, principally on buildings, and very little on stock. The houses which escaped burning are very much damaged, owing to the intense heat. The fire originated in an outhouse of the Queen's Hotel, in which a quantity of cases -with straw inside were stored. The Christchurch Eire Brigade has been on duty for 23 hours continuously.

The following is taken from various sources : — While the fire was raging in Lyttelton the 'Taranaki 1 was aground at the wharf, in somewhat dangerous proximity to the flames, and serious fears for her safety were at one time entertained. Captain Wheeler, however, by a judicious use of his fire-hose on the adjacent buildings, stopped the progress of the fiio iathat direction ; and the cabin of the steamer afforded shelter to a large number of the burned-out families. People on board the ' Taranaki describe the fire as something terrific. Piles of goods and furniture, removed from the burning buildings to what was thought a safe distance, were lapped up in a single moment by a rush of flame, and it was absolutely wonderful that no loss of life occurred. The fire broke out at about 10 o'clock p.m. We aro informed that the fire could have been stopped here had there been any water procurable. The scene at the Rising Sun Hotel, London-street, is described by Captain Wheeler as being particularly grand, and the whole scene one of the most intense excitement. When the Chiistchurch. Fire Brigade arrived by a special train at one o'clock, they were received by a most excited crowd of people, and was almost dragged to the scene of, conflagration. The train containing the Fire Brigade returned at a quarter to four o'clock, amid- the tumultous applause of the Lytteltonians. The women and children >of t the various townspeople were running about in an almost frantic Btafce, aud-the Provincial Hall was opened foiv their, reception until some better ' plans could be adopted'