FIRE ON THE HIGH LEVELS.

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue LXIV, 13 September 1902, Page 5

FIRE ON THE HIGH LEVELS.

The spectacle of a big blaze on one of the high levels at the western end of the city was witnessed a little before 9 o'clock last night, due to the accidental firing of a seven-roomed dwelling on the hillside oft Devon-street. The house was owned by Sir- Walter Buller, and in the occupation of Jlr. James Collins, builder. Mr. Collins is of opinion that the outbreak was due to tho bursting of v lamp in the hall.. He did not hear any explosion, but a knocking sound, apparently against the house, led him to go out«ide to investigate, and upon his reaching the front part of the hanse he was astonished to find it in Qauics. The fire had obtained a good hold when tho Municipal Brigade was summoned, and on their arrival it was pretty clear that there warn little hope of saving the building. In the 'first instant the pressure of water was indifferent. The Corporation is at the present time putting down a 4iu main in the street, but ms water is not yet turned on. Consequently the Brigade had to look to the Aro-strert main for its supply. A delivery a thousand feet long was run out, but the pressure being poor, the expedient of what is technically known as "Siamesing" n length of hose from a second plug into 'hat running from tne first one tapped was resorted to, with the result that a good pressure was obtained, and this was undoubtedly the m«uis of saving an adjoining house, standing a few feet away. Mr. Collins a residence wns totally destroyed, and, aa on fch«» Aw™"™ "<■ *»»«. «— . «-- i»~» ..w

time to rush back into the house ami * gather up a few personal effects and assist /his wife and child to a place of safety, lie is a considerable loser. The house is insured with the National Insurance Company for £300, and the furniture, including piano, in the same, office for £255. 'I lie nrticles destroyed included a violin which the owner valued at £150.