FIRE IN CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 18337, 26 July 1923, Page 9

FIRE IN CHURCH

ST. PETER’S VESTRY G-UTTED.

BRIGADE’S GOOD WORK.

A fire which broke out a few minutes before 9 o’clock last night caused considerable damage to the_ vestry of St. Peter’s Church, in Cargill road. Tho South Dunedin Brigade received a call nt 5.57 p.m., and when the men reached the scene flames were issuing through the windows, and the ivy, which covers a largo portion of the church tower, was blazing fiercely. A machine from headquarters was also quickly in attendance, and in about twenty minutes any__ danger of tbo fire spreading to the church proper was averted as a result of tbo efforts of the combined crews. Tbo outbreak was completely under control by 9.30 p.m. . _ Tho vestry was seen to be in a hopeless condition when the machines arrived, and the firemen first turned their attention to preventing the flames from spreading any further. Working with a pood pressure of water from one lino of hose and the first-aid pump, tbo men succeeded in effecting a splendid save. Very little damage was done to the church through water, and it was fortunate that the brigades wore on the scene so quickly. Tho outbreak apparently started in a cupboard in the vestry, which contained six vestments valued at £2O each, and these were totally destroyed. The church has suffered to a certain extent through smoke, as tiro flames were just eating their way into the nearest wall and roof when checked by the firemen. The church silver was only slightly damaged by smoke. Tho vestry was gutted, and its contents, valued at _ about £175, were demolished. The church itself suffered damage to the extent of about £2OO. The vestry is about 15ft square and about 20ft in height. The organ, which was very near the origin of the fire, is valued at about £450, and is insured for £2OO. Tho firemen covered the instrument with tarpaulins, so that it suffered no damage. Superintendent Napier stated to-day that his men did remarkably well to confine tho outbreak io the vestry, _ and it was indeed an excellent save, which was due to the strenuous efforts of the two officers who directed operations and the firemen under their charge. The church building is valued at £2,500, and is insured for £1,500 in the Standard Office.