CALAMITOUS FIRE.

Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 54, 5 March 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

CALAMITOUS FIRE.

« The Panama-street Block Demolished. Terrible Destruction of Property The Loss Estimated at £100,000. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. Wo regret having to chroniolo that ono of tho most destructive conflagrations which has over ocourrod in Wellington broko out on tho morning of Sunday, the 27th instant, in Lambton Quay, and was not anbdued until property represented by buildings and merchandise to the extent of upwards of .£lOO,OOO had beon consumed. Tho only Wellington firo which challenges comparison with it was the Opera Houso flro of 1879, but the proporty destroyed on that ocoasion, valuable as it was, as not equal in value to that consumed yoßterday. The block in which tho outbreak ooourrod is probably tho most oentral business blook in the oity, being that having for its northern and southern boundaries Bran-don-stroot and Panama-fttroct, and for its eastern and western boundaries Featherstonstroot and Lambton Quay. The Lambton Quay frontago until yestorday comprised tho oommodioua four-floored auction mart and produce storo belonging to Messrs. Laery & Campboll at tho oornor of Panamastreet, Mr. Huxloy's tailor shop and dwoll-injr-houßO of threo stories, Mossrs. Barraud & Co.'b ohomißt's shop and premises, including a perfumery bond, Messrs. Buokloy, Stafford and Barton's lawyers' offices, and Moßsrs. John Parker and Co.'s (late Mossrs. Wilson and Riohardson's) well-known drapery warohouso at tho corner of tho Quay and Brandon-street. At the back of Huxloy's promises, and communicating with thorn, stood a wooden tenement having upper and lowor stories, whioh was leased to Mr. Orr, of the City Buffet Hotel, and usod by tho lessee as a supplomontary boarding • house when the hotel was crowded, and gonorally as a sleeping plaoo for sovoral of tho employe's. In Panamastroot, adjoining Laery and Campbell's atoro, stood the fine three-story building occupiod by T. Konnedy Macdonald and Co., auctionoorß and estato agents, with tho wine vaults of Mr. John Maginnity on tho basement floor. Adjoining this and built nearly on the samo plan was tho warehouso of Mosßrs. Thompson, Shannon and Co., whioh only a month ago underwent considerable internal alterations with a viowr to the proprietors entoring into tho retail trade. Next in order comes Messrs. Johnston and Co.'s largo and nearly new brick bonded store, standing as a substantial barrier between Thompson and Shannon's and tho largo two-atory wooden building oconpiod by Mossrs. Johnston and Co. as shipping, insurance, and moroantilo offices, and by the legal firm of Messrs. 8011, Qully, and Izard. In tho Foatherstonstreot frontago are tho offices of the Press Association and Mr. Quiok, solicitor, Mr. O'Shoa's Btoro and offioo, and Messrs. J. H. Bethuno ami Co.'s auction mart Continuing tho circuit of .tho < blook, wo have in Brandon-stroet tho printing offices of Messrs. Edwards & Green, tho clothing factory and storehouse of Thompson & Shannon, and a storohouso usod by R. Gardner & Co. as almost tho only mercantile premises, although Mrs. Clark's boardinghouse was porbapa entitled to be inoludod in tho same oatogory. In this stroot aro the baok approachos to tho large warehousos in Panamastreot, and tho buildings aro detached and soattored. When we say that fully twothirds of this valuable block has beon entirely destroyed, our readers can form some idea of tho extent of tho calamity which has ooourrod in our midst. The firo has mado a clean swoop of the S.W, rectangle, including the shops, stores, and warehouses from Wilson & Richardson's to Johnston's bond, both thoso buildings with thoir contents boing damaged, whilo all the fine but inflammablo intermediate structures, with almost tho whole of their rich treasures of trade, have boen roduood to ashes. Mrs. Clark's boarding house is also completely destroyed. THE ALARM. Occurring as it did at a time when tho streets aro most deserted, about half-an-hour before daybreak, tho alarm did not at first attraot much attention, and although the bells rang out vigorously, fow peoplo turned out to tho sound, many people, no doubt, concluding that the firo which ooourfod on tho previous ovening in Buto-street had again broken out. Before long, howovor, tho stroets in the vicinity became crowded with eager and anxious epootatorß and workors. Constable Roddell was tho first to detect the outbreak and give tho alarm. He was on duty in Lanibton Quay, and on passing Mr. Bullock's booksellor's shop at 20 minutos past 4, he heard tho oraok of glass on the opposite sido of tho Quay. Going across the street, he looked for some momonts in vain for the signs of what he bad heard, and Boeing nothing in front, he went down the right-of-way between Mr. Huxley's shop and Messrs. Barraud <fc Co.'s promises. Here tho cause of the glass breakage was at onoe manifest, for through a baok window on the ground floor of Mr. Huxley's promises ho saw the glaro of flames. Snowing that the dwelling-house in roar of tho shop was tenanted by tho employe's from Orr's City Buffot Hotol, he at once raised the cry of " Fire ! " andatthe same time, with assistance broke in the front door of the shop to afford the inmates of the building means of escape. Having done this, he ran to the Brigade Station in Brandon-street and saw that the engine was being got out, following this up by fotcbing the insurance companies' ladder from Panama-street. Meanwhile the short timo that had elapsed had Buffioed for tho inoipient conflagration to take possession of the whole of Huxley's premises. The night waß calm, with only the faintest southerly breeze, but the dry wooden building needed not the incentive of wind to hasten tho progress of its dostruotion. It burned like tinder, and boforo oven the advent of the brigade, was enveloped in flames, which had already communicated themselves to tho taller pilo of Laery and Campbell's mart and store, and simultaneously with tho baok portion of Messrs. T. Konnedy Macdonald and Co.'s auction rooms. The alarm now became general, for it was evident that a serious conflagration was throatened, and the firemen who arrived lost no time in making their connections with the water supply and bringing thoir hose into play. Bat the quickness of tho spread of the flames outran all thoir efforts, and alas . matters were made more hopeless by the faot that the Wainui supply had, in accordance with announcement, been out off at tho fountain head, and the Polhill Gully reservoir was all that could be depended on. The Mayor (Mr. Sam. Brown), who was one of the earliest on the sceno, rendered good service by giving the turnoooks instructions by telephone and other messages to cut off all the existing supply outside the immediate neighbourhood, so as to concentrate the pressure. This had the effoct of enabling a tolerably strong head of water to be brought into play; but, as we have said, tho fire Beized its prey with such avidity that the streams seemed to have little or no effect in arresting its progress. At a quarter to 5 o'olook, Huxley's and Laery &• Campbell's premisos were a sheet of flame, and it was ovident that but a miraole could save T. Kennoiy Macdonald & Co.'s and Thompson, Shannon & Co.'s warehouses from sharing in the destruction. Tho scene now became inexpressibly grand and awful. Tho oft-ropeated prediction that soino day the Panama-street block would moke a terrible bonfiro was realised in all its direst import. Tho groat wooden Btructuros seemod to yield themselves to the embraces of the fiery god as >i£ it were their lover, instead of thoir deadly enemy. The roaring tongnes of flamo shot high into the air, and waved themselves about as if exulting in their mad career, and laughing at tho puny efforts to repress them. 81EN PROM THE TERRACE, ■ which was a favoured vantage - ground with the orowd, the view of the conflagration was very imposing. Tho full ravages of the flames could be distinctly traced, and a bird's-eye view was afforded of the busy scone on the Quay below. As the day broke, the inky blaokness of tho sky, whioh strongly contrasted with the ruddy glow, changed gradually to a deep purple, then to a lovely Prussian blue, and beforo the sun rose assumed rioh opal tints of groat beauty. But thore was little time to admire suoh artistic effeots. Hurry scurry everywhere waB tho word. Tho celerity of the dostruotion palsied the efforts of tho firemen ; before one plan had beon put into exeoution its futility was plainly domonstrated, and it had to bo abandonod. To illustrate the pace at which tho flames extended their sway over these wooden pilos it is only necessary to say that no sooner was tho fact realised that the north sido of Panama-street must go, than it became too late to do anything to save tho contents of either Macdonald and Co.'s or Maginnity 's premises. They were simply dovoured as they stdod. Mr. Macdonald, apprised by

telephone of the danger which threatened his property, wan early on the soene, but ho 1 a 1 only timo to get into his office, accompanied by Mr. Miller, his clerk, and soizo tho lotter book and a fow papers before both woro compelled to retreat. Absolutely nothing of tho great and splp- did stock of furnituro, pianos, and +, orks of art was savod. And in fact nttlo more was dono in Thompson and Shannon's warehouse Tho tweods on the lower floor wero got out, but the more valuable Bilks, carpets and morcery, on tho upper floors, had to bo sacrifiod to tho fire-god's voracity, Had willing lmnclfe beon as prompt here as olsewhero, more might undoubtedly have beon salvaged. At ten minutes to 5 o'clock a party of geutlomcn mado urgont calls for volunteers to romovo the firm's rich stock of carpets and silks, but thero were vory fow ; responses, and the opportunity was lost. At a quarter past 5, or littlo loss than an hour from tho outbreak, tho conflagration was at its hoight. It had now taken possession of tho whole Panama Btrcot side of the block as far ns tho bonded store, and had also oxtended its ravages along Lambtonquay to tho premises of Barraud & Co., and boyond that to tho offices of Buckley, Stafford & Barton. Such a body of flame has novor been soon in Wollington, and we doubt if tho destruction of the New Zealand Woodwaro Company's building in Dunedin tho othor day presented a grander or moro awful spectacle. The wind, littlo as it was, carried the smoke and sparks in a slanting direction across Lambton-quay, and the widenees of tho thoroughfare at this point alono prevented the firo extending to tho promi'Boß of Mossrs. Hannah & Co., Nolson, Moato & Co., Mr. R. Holliday, and other tradesmen adjacent. A " RED RAIN," in which tho drops consisted of burning fragments shot into the air from the seething masß of flamo, was falling for fully an hour in tho roadway and on those buildings, and Bubsoquontly on Mossrs. Kirkoaldie and Stains' promises and on tho warehouse of Messrs. Wilson and Richardson on the other side of Brandon-Btreet, and threatening a fresh outbreak every moment. Another source of dangor added to this was the intenso heat generated by such a furnace. This completely cleared the Quay in tho immediate neighbourhood and Panama-street of spectators, and made it necessary for the firomon to work under coverings of wet blankots. Tho walls of the shops mentioned and tho Evening Press offico, and Thomas and Co.'b anction mart in Panama-street, blißtered and blackened under tho fierce influence, and wero only kept from igniting by being played upon by tho firemen. For fully throo-quarters of an hour, from about 10 minutes to 5 until past the half-hour— that is, whilo the flamos woro strongest and beforo the tall buildings collapsed—a large portion of tho availablo extinguishing forces had to be employed in outside directions, and^the proprietors helped in tho work by hanging wet blankets and ruga from the roofs of their houses. By dint of groat oxortions all round, tho conflagration was prevented extending acrosß oithex stroot, and waß confined to tho ono block, though fearful damago has boon dono to other property by wator and removal. Meanwhile, from an oarly stago of tho oatastropho, it had beon anticipated that Wilson and Richardson's drapery warehouso must go with the rost. Air. Wilson arrived on tho scene among the earliest of tho spectators, and realising tho impending danger took stops to facilitate tho removal of the more valuablo portions of tho stock. Wo aro glad to say that this was accomplished very successfully, though as tho event turned out the building was not destroyod. A woodon slide, provided for suoh an emergency, was placed against the Brandon-street doorway of tho carpet loft, and ntilisod for sending down the rolls of carpet, oilcloth, and linoleum. Hand-carts woro availablo for taking them away as they reachod the ground, and we think that to this part of the stock littlo damago was done. But the millinery and moro dolicato goods suffered severely in tho process of removal. Lambton-quay at this timo presented a curious spectacle, the sidepatha being Uttered with goods of all kinds, some of them thrown down with culpable carolessnoßa, and mixed with strange incongruity. Wo noticed in ono place that a quantity of chemicals from Barraud & Son's had been placed among mattresses and furniture from some other building, and as many of tbe bottles had burst or boon broken, the effect on tho furnituro was tho reverse of improving. During the two hours the main conflagration lasted there was A REGULAR STAMPEDE aoross tho street from the burning odifices, of coatless mon and boys, carrying all manner of articles, and depositing them in places of safoty. It was noticoable that a favourite place selected for the salvage from Wilson and Richardson's building was the footpath undor the verandah in front of Kirkoaldie and Stains' shop, at the opposite corner of Brandon-streot This was badly chosen, for | had tho firo extended to Wilson & RichardBon's building, as expected, it would have been necessary for Kirkcaldio & Stains to hay removed their own goods, and in such case they would havo been greatly hampered by tho piloa of foreign articles in front of their premisos. By a quarter to six all tho largo woodon buildings had been completely doatroyed. Thompson and Shannon's blazing front had fallen inwards at 5.35, and a few tall chimneys whioh reared their lanky ar.d tottering forms out of the smoking chaos, presented the only means of oxactly identifying the individual sites whore little more than an hour beforo imposing edifices had stood. Barrand and Co.'s building had fallen in with a crash about the same time as tho final collapso of Thompson and Shannon's premises some of the firemon having a very narrow escapo, and the fire in this quarter had centred in Buokley, Stafford and Barton's offices, which woro alroady gutted. But after the complete demolition of the groat warehouses there was a sensible check. While thoy were burning the firo had entire mastery in the conflict. After the intense boat generated by thoir combuation had somewhat subsided, tho fire men wore able to concentrate their efforts to prevent tho firo taking hold of Wilson and Richardson's building, and although for a long whilo the general opinion was that they would be unsuccessful, before six o'olook it was evident that they had attained their pnrpose. Some time bofore this Mrs. Clark's boardinghouse had gone, but not until most of the oontents had been got out in safety. At one time a pile of packing caaes and barrels in the rear of Wilson and Riohardson's had become ignited. A hose was brought to boar upon theso without delay, and they wero soon extinguished. During tho hoight of the conflagration soveral oxplosions occurred, some of whioh were stated to be caused by the bursting of tho spirit casks in Mr. Maginnity's wine vaults, while others were occasioned by the chomicals in Barrand & Co.'s shop, which also had the.effeot of giving forth flames of all the colours of tbe rainbow. The walls of corrugated iron on Kennedy Macdonald & Co.'s and Thomson and Shannon's warehouses appeared to burn with a brilliant green flame, or at any rate they had the effect of green-tinting the flames whioh enveloped them. This feature was very noticeable, and added a peculiar and weird attraction to the scene. Another curious effect was produced by the rising sun, whioh was scon through the volumes of smoke like a crimson ball. At a quarter-past 6 tho first and most important stage of the conflagration was at an ond. The safety of Wilson & Richardson's building was assured, and it for some timo appeared as if there was no danger of the firo extending in any other direction. But iust as poople were thinking of going home for another hour's sleep, denso volumes of Emoke wero scon to bo issuing from tho roof of Johnston & Co.'s bond, and a cry was raisod that the store was on firo. This turned out to be tho case, and very general excitemont became manifest whon tho smoko was seou to bo commingled with flame. No attempt had been made by the Custom House officials, or anyone else, to got the goods out of this building, although it was known to be full_ of highly inflammablo articles of merchandise, such as spirits, kerosene, &c. Indeed, wo believe it is tho invariable rule of the Customs Department here as elsewhere never to allow of thoir seals being broken or any goods removed from a bonded warehouse in order to avoid destruction by fire. Their chance of collecting duty would, of course, bo small if tho goods were oneo removed. Tho heat, thoro is little doubt, melted some of tho corrugated iron on tho roof, and allowed the fire' to obtain ingress to the goods in the uppermost story. From half-past 6 to nearly half -post 7, a continuous and vigorous conflict was kept up with the flames in this building, and at the ond of that timo we aro glad to say the defenders wore successful, tho flro boing extinguished beforo it had burned through into the middlo floor. At a few minutes beforo 8, the firo in all directions was completely subdued, and nothing remained but a heap of ashes and charred timbers. Tlie^Jfire «*¦ Seen from Various \ Standpoints. LAMB.TON-QUAY. Tho alarm was first rung from tho Firo Brigado Station in Brandon-streot, and was quickly takon up by tho bolls in Mannorsstreot and Hill-street. For somo reason or othor the large bell situated on the hill at

1 tho rear of tho Bank of New South Wales o did not peal forth for fully ten minutes aftor • the others had sounded, while almost half an 0 hour elapsed before the inhabitants of New1 town wero aroused from thoir slumbers by j tho clanging of the local boll. In consef quonce of theso delays many of the residents t in Lambton and Cook Wards did not arrive 3 on tbe scene of tho outbreak until the fire - had obtained a fair hold of Messrs. Laery i and Campbell's building. During the past j few years Lambton-quay and the streets 1 contiguous to it have at different times beon , thronged witn unusually large numbers of i people, but never on any occasion have > they been fillod with Buch crowds as ; wero present yesterday morning. Two • or three minutes after the Brandon- street : bell rang out tho alarm, men came rushing along Lambton:quay on their way to the scone of the firo, the locale of which was indicated by a small volume of smoke rising toward the sky. As timo went on the number of people increased, and in Ipss than 20 minutes the Quay was thronged with human boings, all intent on witnessing what they believed would prove a serious conflagration. Tho number could not have been under 7000. Tho alarm waa given at about 20 minutes past 4, and in less than five minutes the men at tho Brandon-street station were dressed and on the scene of the fire with tho hose reel, and othor necessary appliances. Tho Te Aro contingent wero hardly Icbs prompt, and although thoNewtown division had a considerable distance to travol beforo thoy could reach Lambton-quay, thoy were on tho spot in a remarkably short spaco of tme after they had heard their boll. Capt. Pago was absent in the South at the Firo Brigudo Demonstration and Conference, and in hiß absenco the chargo of the Brigade should havo dovolvod upon Senior Foreman Wilson. Tho latter, however, had been ill ior some timo past, and the responsible task of directing operations fell upon Foreman Adams. Branchman Lawronco made an able assistant. The two-story building in which the fire originated contained nine rooms, and was rented by Mr. Orr, of tho City Buffet Hotel. On tho night of the fire there wer«, we beliove, no boarders in the house, the sole occupants being Mr. Jackson (book-keeper), tho barman, and the head waiter of the hotel. Tho first action of the Fire Brigado was to connect a length of hose with the plug in front of Mossrs. Holliday and Co.'b book and stationery establishment on Lambton-quay, and in a few moments a good stream of water, considering the fact that tho Polhill Gnlly supply was the only one available), was poured on to the burning building. The flames, however had obtained too firm a hold of the place, and it was soon evident that nothing could save it. A fow moments aftor tho first longth of hose had boon laid, tho plug near the Evening Press office (on the southern corner of Panama-street and Lambton-quay) waß openod, and the water obtained from it was played on to Mr. Huxley's shop, whioh had just caught firo at the back. The flames woro confined to the two buildings for about a quarter of an hour, and there was a faint hopo that thoy would be prevented from spreading. When Mr. Huxley's place caught, the firo was entirely on the second floor,' but it was not long bofore the flames took an upward and downward course almost simultaneously, and tho whole building was thon ablaze, leaving no doubt whatever that it would shortly bo razed to the ground. In about half -an -hour after tho alarm both places wero a mass of ruins. Mr. Huxley resided in tho upper portion of his building until about two months ago, when ho removed to now premises on tho Adelaideroad, and at the timo of the outbreak thore was no ono living in any part of the place. Mr. Huxley waß not aware of the outbreak until he wont down to breakfast, tho first intimation of the fact boing given to him by a neighbour's child, who had heard the news from a passer- by. The chemist's shop of Barraud and Co. adjoinod tho buildings alluded to, and at the rear waß a substantially-built bulk storo. Willing hands were plentiful, and the greater portion of the goods in the shop I were removed to the opposite side of the street, whero they remained for about an hour, at the expiration of whioh period thoy wore removed to Messrs. Murray, Roberta and Co.'s warehouse in Featherston-stroet. None of the stock in the bulk storo was, however, saved. Tho shop, which waß of wood, like Mr. Huxley's and Mr. Orr's premises, was tvyo stories high, tho upper floor being occupied by Mr. Sellgren and his family. That gentleman, who was recently admitted a partner in the business, was awakened by the bell, and succeeded in REMOVING HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN with muoh difficulty. After seeing that his household wero in a place of safety, he set about removing -his furniture and effects, which wero not insnred, and, with the assistance of a number of people, be was able to got out a quantity of goods before tho fire renderod it impossible to remain any longer in the building. Tho flames had obtained a good hold of the shop and store by 4.45 o'clook, and speculation was rifo as to whother the buildings lying between them and the corner of Lambton-quay and Brandon-street would escape destruction. The general opinion was that nothing short of a miraclo could save them. While Barraud and Oo.'s premises wore burning, bme sparks were carried across Lambton-quay on to the photographic studio of Mr. Bragge, on the opposite aido of the Quay, and had it not been for the vigilance of some friends, who promptly applied a quantity of water, there is little doubt that the building would, have caught fire, in which case the adjoining buildings would havo stood a very poor chance of escaping, seeing that the supply of water was nono too plentiful, and th?t the members of the brigade had their hands full with the structure on the other side of the thoroughfare. . As soon as it became apparent that the fire was spreading in a northerly direction, Messrs. Buckloy, Stafford and Barton, solicitors, whose chambers adjoined Barraud and Co.'s premises, took stops to effect the removal of the contents of their offices, and by the time that the flames had reached Barraud and Co.'s the whole of the property, including a valuable collection of logal works, was in a place of safety. A similar precaution was taken by Messrs. John Parker and Co. (late Wilson and Riohardson), but so extensive waß the stook kept by the firm, that before the whole of it could be carried away a considerable quantity of |the goods were damaged by water poured over tho building— a twostory wooden place— from the plug in front of the shop. Valuable assistance was rendered in tho removal of the goods* by a large number of persons, including about a dozen assistants from drapery establishments in tho city, the alacrity displayed in tho work being most commendable. The wholo of the mon worked in a systematic mannor, and it was noticeable that nono of them displayed an absence of that thoughtfulness in handling tho goods so often apparent on occasions of the kind. They did their best to transfer the stock uninjured to a place where it would be safo, and it was no fault of theirs that a good deal of it was damaged by water. Several minutes before Barraud & Co.'b premises was a mass of flames, the upper part of Buckley, Stafford, and Barton's offices was on fire, and it was not long before both places were ablaze. For some time previously a jet of water had been played on to Parker & Co.'s and Buckley & Co.'s, and this had the effect of somowhat reducing the mass of. fire in the latter firm's premises. A plaster wall situated between the two buildings also assisted to prevent the fire from taking a firm hold of Parker and Co.'s establishment, and the slate roof proved of groat value. The showroom caught, but before any great amount of damage had been dono the outbreak was extinguished. Buckley, Stafford & Barton's premises could not, however, be saved. Tho building burned much moro fiercely than the others, and two or three of the Brigade, including Foreman Adams, narrowly escaped meeting with a terrible mishap, owing to the unexpected fall of tho burning coping. At 5.45 o'clock the fire was extinguished in tho northern part of tho block. The extension of the fire southward was very rapid. While Mr. Huxley's shop was burning the spectators noticed that tho rear of Messrs. Laery and Campbell's large four-story warehouse was on fire, a tongue of flame leaping up above the roof, bearing ample testimony to that fact. At 4.45 o'clock the upper story was blazing in a manner which left no doubt whatever that THE ENTIRE PILE WAS DOOMED. While the flames occupied the upper part of tho building tho intense heat melted the zinc about the roof, and the molten stuff, which was of a bluish tint, looked really beautiful as it dropped on to the pavement below. At 5 o'clock the whole of the upper story was gone, and tho fire had then possession of the next floor, where it raged for about 15 minutes. That portion of the building was completely destroyed by 5.15 o'clock, and tho flames, continuing their downward course, tho whole pile was razed to the ground, not one squars foot of tho structure being left at 6 o'clock. The building, one of the tallest woodon structures in tho city, burnt very rapidly, and such an intense heat was thrown out during the timo the work of destruction was going on tbat spectators were unable to stand within 70 or 80 yards i of the promises. Windows on tho opposite side of Lambton-quay were crackod, while not a foot of painted timber escaped injury, the paint being blistered and scorched

in a remarkable manner. Those tradesmen on that aide of tbe street who possessed hoses lost no time in getting thorn connected with tho taps on their premises, but owing to the quantity of wator which wa3 being used by the brigade, they were not able to saturate the roofs of their premises so completely as thoy could have wished. When the firo commenced spreading towards Thorndon fears wero entertained that it would not only sweep away the whole of the block in which it had originated, but that it would crosa over to the adjoining block and destroy Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains' drapery establishment, Mr. George Eeichardt's music warehouse, and the Occidental Hotel. A posse of men accordingly lost no timo in getting upon the roof of Kirkcaldio & Stains' shop and covering it with wet blankets. The precaution was a very wiso one. The wind waa blowing from the S.K. for some time, and a quantity of sparks, which were carried on to Kirkoaldie and Stains' building, would moat assuredly have set fire to it nad it not been they were extinguished as soon as they touched the blankets. REMOVING VALUABLE STOCK. So certain was Mr. Boichardt that tho firo would reach Kirkcaldie and Stains' and his own promises that he commenced removing some of his valuable Btock of musical instruments. After one or two pianos had been taken out it was thought advisable to wait a while before romoving any more stock, and as the progress of the fire northward was soon afterwards checked, nothing more wag taken out of the premisos. A quantity of water was poured on to the roof of the Occidental Hotel, and no doubt the precaution prevented any of the falling sparks setting fire to that favourite hostelry. BBANDON-STEtET. The prinoipal excitement in this Btreet culminated in tho salvage of Messrs. Wilson and Richardson's stock, and the protection of Messrs. Kirkcaldio and Stains' premises. Owing to tho excellent arrangements mado by Mr. Wilson tho moßt valuable of the stock, including a large quantity of volvots and Bilks, was removed at an early stage to the firm's brick store on the other side of Brandon-streot. Tho rain of fire-flakes whioh set in afterwards made it necessary to close tho building bofore all the stock was housed, from fear that some of the blazing droppings would be carried in by the volunteer salvago corps and set fire to the contents. After this other places were temporarily utilised, and later in the day the firm secured storage accommodation at the Athentoum and the Corporation buildings. Mr. L. G. Reid, Assistant Crown Law Officer, and Mr. George Campbell, Mr. Faulkner, librarian of the Athenreum, Mr. C. T. Riohardson, and Mr. H. J. Richards were very conspicuous by their strenuous and successful efforts to save tho firm's property. The boardinghouse of Mrs. Clark was set on fire by the falling sparks, and, being at the time in nearly red hot condition, went like matchwood. There was considerable difficulty in getting the horses out of Thompson and Shannon's stables, which occupied a position back from the street and very close to the rear of the blazing warehouses. The animals, as is usual in such cases, appeared paralysed with fright, and only with the greatest difficulty ooula bo induced to move. The Btablea were burned to tho ground. Mesßrs. Edwards and Green and J. H. Bothune made preparations for a hasty clearance if necessary, but, fortunately, the firo did not oxtend in that direction. Their greatest dangor was while the uppermost floqr of Johnston's bond was burning. Had thismot been extinguished tho probability is that thoy would not have got off so woll as they did. PANAMA-STREET. In an incredibly Bhorfc spaoo of time the fames swopt'from the corner of Panam^ street, along the southern frontage of Messrs Laery & Campbell's warehouse, and seized upon tho top floor of Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald & Co.'s three-storey auction ronrt and Btore rooms. It was apparent that long ero this tho firo had takon full possession of the back portion of Messrs. Macdonald's promises. Almost all hope of saying any of the neighbouring wooden buildings was now abandoned, and large, parties of volunteers sot to work to romove Messrs. Thompson, Shannon, & Co.'s stook from their warehouse. Mr. Shannon was the only member of the firm on the scene of the'fire,' Mr. Thompson being at present on a trip to England. Volunteers were numerous, but great as was their force still greater numbers wore required, and Mr. Shannon gave an assnrance that any who rendored aid would be remunerated for their services. Whether prompted by the promise of reward, or by their own less selfish desire to assist the sufferers, the band of assistants was immediately augmented, and strings of men laden with tweeds and other valuable classes of merchandise from the lower floor continued to pour' out of tho building as long as it was safe to remain on 'the promises. The goods woro temporarily deposited, for the most part, on 'the footpath alongside the General Post Office, to bo conveyed under sholter as opportunity offered. Generally speaking, the salvage of goods from these premises was systematic and orderly, but time being of value many of the workers wero unable to carry things away quiokly enough, and tho windows on the ground and first floors were opened and enormous quantities of goods were thrown indiscriminately upon the footpath, whero a considerable proportion was ultimately destroyed either by water or fire. The quantity really snatched from the flames was very small in proportion" to the extent of the Btook. The carpets and silks on the upper floor were nearly all destroyed, as volunteers could not be induced to venturo thore. To return to the conflagration itself —the firemen were unable to do much towards competing with the enormous body of flames, whioh had now gained such a complete mastery. The firo-covered area was so great that their efforts in any one direction 'wero neoessarily limited. Two jets were at work in Panama-street, one of which was partially required for warding off the danger that threatened the buildings at the southern side of the thoroughfare. From the upper flsor of Messrs. Macdonald's building the flames crept steadily earthwards, and finally got possession of Mr. J. Maginnity's wine and spirit vault, which, as already mentioned, formed the basement of the pile. By the time the building was entirely given up to the flames, Laery and Campbell's southern wall began to show signs of weakness, and the woodwork fell piecemeal upon the footpath or into the burning mass. THE OPPOSITE BLOCK ENDANGERED. The buildings at the opposite side of the street began to be perceptibly affeoted by tho terrific heat. Tho branchmon wero obliged to seek such protection as were afforded by wot blankets, and to get other persons to play small jets of water upon them, so as to enable them to maintain their trying positions. The brass nozzles became boated to Buoh an extent that it was necessary to obtain the artificial protection of wet cloths for the hands, and the exposed hydrants were treated in a similar mannor. Blistering paint and cracked window glass bore testimony to the terrible heat given out by the doomed block, and presently light jets of smoke spurted ominously from tho copings of some of the buildings on the southern block. For some time it appeared likely that the | firo would be extended in this direction. To moot the now source of danger it became necessary at times to divert one of the jets from the main seat of the fire for the protection of these buildings— the Evening Press office, Mossrs. Geo. Thomas and Co.'s auotion mart, and Heaton and Miller's forwarding agency (all of which were of wood), and the brick offices of the United Importers' Company. Mr. Morgan, an employe of the United Importers' Company, rendered excellent protective service by mounting the company's building with a hand-hose, from which he squirted upon the front of Thomas and Co.'s, and effectually prevented any of tho woodwork from bursting into flame. He also made matters moro tolerable for tho two branchmen by occasionally playing upon them. Two or three times the coping of the Evening Press office caught fire, but the flame was on each occasion nipped in the bud by Mr. Mark Maxton, who mounted guard on the roof with a hand hose, and played npon the building as long as the conflagration, lasted. Every preparation was made for the removal of goods from the premises in case of necessity. The formes wero taken to the Post Office building as a precautionary step, and all looso typo was coigned up in readiness for removal, while most of the cases of type were placed in positions whenoe they could have been readily taken out of the building. Fortunately, tho removal of the printing material was not neoessary, and Messrs. Wakefield and Roydhouse are to be congratulated upon having escaped with scarcely any damage. We loam from Mr. Roydhouse that £5 at most will cover any loss sustained inside the office, which arises chiefly from the confusion of types technically known as " pyo," inseparable from any bustle in a printing office. On the whole, then, the block came off without any serious damage so far as fire was concerned. The walls of the newspaper office and Mossrs. Thomas & Co.'b and Heaton and Miller's premisos are seriously scorched, but thanks to the exertions put forth by tho little band of workers, tho weather-boardings were not penotrated in any place. Water has damaged Messrs. Thomas & Co.'s stock, but not to any really serious degree. '

THE FALLING OP BUINB in Panama-street commenced soon after Macdonald & Co.'s front premisffs ignited. Burning masses of woodwork from Laery and Campboll'B facade wore scattered about the footpath until tho subsiding of tho whole wall relieved the firemen of ono claim upon their immediate attention. Then, as the fire progressed, the front wall of Macdonald & Co.'s gavo signs of tottering, and swayed to and fro in a threatening manner for several minutes, causing the immense crowd who were watchinpr the fire at a respectful distance to fall still further back. The parapet swung backwards and forwards, and at length gave a decided lurch to southward, swung out as if on a pivot placed at the angle nearest Thompson, Shannon & Co.'s promises, and then crashed down into Panamastreet. SOMETHING LIKE A PANIC occurred as the fire ate its way into Maginnity's Btook of spiritß. Ssveral loud detonations wore heard, probably owing to the bursting ot caskd of rum, or some equally explosive liquid. Rumour, however, ascribed them to the existence of dynamite in tho building, and as tho word was passed round, tho spectators drew back to watch for developments. No serious consequences, however, ensued. THOMPSON, SHANNON AND CO.'S WAKEHOUSE. If any hope had been entertained for the salvation of Thompson, Shannon & Co.'s building, the feteady encroachment of the flames seaward soon showed it to be futile. Dense black clouds of sinoko issuing from tho uppermost row of windows were the first evidence that the firo had taken possession. All salvage work was oonhned to the lower floors, for though much of the moat valuable portion of the stock was in the upper divisions, the risk of attempting to Bavo .it was so great that nobody could be tempted to venture aloft at this period. Great tongues of fire soon protruded from the windows, and in almost as little time as it takes to write the words the whole upper story became a sheet of flame. Then and not until then did the sailors abandon the lower floors, and their position had become so dangerous that the heap of goods whioh bad been thrown out was of necessity loftto the mercy of the elements. One continuous sheet of flame now extended all the way from Lambton-quay to the warehouse, and the two jots of water had not the slightest effect upon it, but wero thrown skywards in vapour ero they reachod the margin of the blaze. One of the chimneys of Macdonald and Co. 'a store was watched for some timo with apprehension, and a cry of fear arose from the onlookers aB it inclined towards tho street. However, it scattered its redlot bricks halfway across tho roadway in a harmloss mannor, the firemen and others being nimblo enough to avoid tho danger. It was thought that Messrs. Johnston and Co.'b brick bond would form AN EFFECTUAL BAKRIEB between the great firo and the iron and woodon building which constituted the firm's free store and business offices, and Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard's chambers. Until the soft goods house was wholly given up to the flames there was no sign of firo about the bonded store, and for a time thoro seemed every likelihood that its stout walla wonld bo a sufficient protection to the wooden building. Noverthelosß precautions wore taked to remove from the solicitors' offices all the law libraries belonging to the firm and such documents of value as were not otherwise provided for. Mr. C. H. Izard, tho junior partner, chiefly directed this movement, and had everything of value out of tho offices at an oarly stago. The infection of his enthusiasm was communicated to his volunteer assistants, who continued to expend their efforts upon the removal of goods of comparatively little valuo. Much of their energy was grievously misdirected. For. example, printed papers would lie dropped from the windows of tho suite of offices to the footpath, only to be scattered about and rendered almost useless. Despite the commands of the persons most interested, and the loud protests of many of the spectators, this foolish work was continued 'for'% considerable time, and way of - verj* little 1 service. One prominent insuranco agent waxatlißO indignant at tho thoughtlessness displayed that he was heard to oall out 'repeato'uly to the persons engaged in the work that if they smashed any of the windows in their well-meant but mistaken efforts, they would be made to pay for them. When once Thompson, Shannon and Co.'s outer walls fell in, tho firemen wore enabled to ooncontrate their attention upon the deluging of the bonded store, but the pressure of water was not sufficient to enable them to play over the top of the building, whore tho streams would have dono most service For some unoxplained reason, no steps wero takon to station men on the roof of the free Btore until great delay had takon place — in faot, not until tho blue jackets from H.M.S. Nelson came to tho aid of tho landsmen. i FEATHEESTON-STBEET. GALLANT CONDUCT OF THE TABS. It was not till about 20 minutes to 6 o'clock that thoro appeared to bo any real dangor to the Featherston-streot frontage of ,he block. For some time before that the flames from Messrs. Thompson and Shannon's warehonse lioked the western wall of the brick bonded store of Messrs. Johnston and Co. with great ferocity, and the heat was intense, but when the former establishment collapsod and was almost absolutely consumed, smoke was noticed issuing from the roof of the bonded warehouse Then it was that some 16 blue jackets, nnder Midshipmen Gurner and Cay, mounted the roof of Messrs. Johnston & Co.'s oorner promises and took steps to extinguish the flames in tho bond and avert tho spread of the fire to the largo wooden building of tho firm. Tho work thoy undertook was difficult and hazardous, but the danger served only to stimulate the gallant tars to greater exertion. A ladder was placed in the angle at the junction of the brick bond with tho offices, and several of the men ascended the roof by this, means, but before they could all get up one of the three windows of the bond facing Featherston-street was broken, and from this issued such dense smoke that the officer in oharge of the bluejackets would not permit any more to ascend at that point. One man essayed to do bo while the smoke was belching forth in suffocating volumes, and he had to bo ordered down instantly, or bb certainly would have been asphyxiated. The ladder was then removed further down tho right-of-way between the Press Association and Johnston's building, but it was barely long enough to permit anyone to reach the roof of the latter except by climbing on to tho spouting. The ladder was therefore suspended between the eaves of tho Press Association office and the roof of the oorner building, and the tars ran up this dangerous causeway with the agility of monkeys, and wero soon scattered over the roof. By this time tho upper floor of the bonded store became a mass of flames, whioh burst through the three windows already alluded to with great fury, and it seemed as if no human effort could save the corner premises from utter destruction. The whole interest in the conflagration now centered at this point, and a great crowd of spectators congregated in the vicinity. Only one jet of water was got on for some time at this end, and that was played straight in through the window nearest Johnston & Co.'b offices, but so furious was the blaze that the water was dried up ero it reachod the interior ; and tho back walls were rod hot. It may givo some idea of THE INTENBITT OF THE HEAT when it is mentioned that the water in tho open spout, some inches from the wall, actually boiled and spluttered like a miniature geyser. " Nothing can save the corner building," was the exclamation of many of the bystanders, but thanks to the gallant conduct of Midshipmen Gnrner and Cay and their bluejaoket assistants, the anticipations of tho spectators were ultimately falsified. Gurner worked like a slave, but was cool and collectod throughout, and where the danger was greatest there he was always to be found. Several axes were hoisted up to the mon, who commenced to break away part of the roof of the bond in order to get wator into the building, and then more lengths of hose were procured and several streams of water were poured into the burning mass. The great dread was lest the top floor should give way, in which case the wholo of contents of the bond would soon have been reduced to ashes and the adjoining warehouse must inevitably have succumbed, and in all probability the Featherston-street face of the block would have been utterly destroyed. Luckily the floor held firm, and bofore it was burnt through the flames were beaten down under a flood of water, and all further danger waß at an end. The sailors gave a striking example of what discipline and well-direotod united action can accomplish. Without the aid of these tars, we Bhould have had to record the loss of many thousands of ponnds' worth of property more than has aiready been sustained, and it was only a just tribute to the sailors to give them the hearty cheers which they received as they woro drawn into line when their services were no longer required. I Until the fire had obtained a complete hold upon tho bonded warehouse, no attempt was made to save anything from Johnston and Co.'s corner establishment, and the doorß were kept closed probably with a view of preventing a draught going through the

premises ; but when it appeared certain that the building was doomed, the books and papers of the firm were removed, and somo of the furniture lowered through the windows, much to the danger of the people below. The doors of the bond wero kept closed throughout, and the whole of the work of extinguishing the flames -in tho upper floor was carried on from ~thoroof and upper windows. The Press Association offices, in which Mr. Quick, solicitor, had also a suite of rooms, wero cleared of their contents, in anticipation of the spread of the fire ; the occupiers of the other premises on that side of the block waited the progress of events, and the contents of the buildings were consequently not disturbed. With the subjugation of the flames in the bonded store, the conflagration may bo aaid to have virtually ended, as only the remnants of the buildings were left.