BIG BLAZE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10473, 31 December 1927, Page 12 (Supplement)

BIG BLAZE.

MAIN STREET BLOCK LOST IN 1882.

LIGHTED OIL FINDS ITS WAV ON TO LIVER.

‘‘l he most alarming conflagration t Wit. it lias liocii the misfortune ol the town to be visited with occurred on Sunday,” commented the ‘T.B. Standard” of February 7, ISS2. The fire, it seems, spread rapidly from Messrs. Carr ond Son’s woolshed. Next the premises of Messrs. Pitt and Bennett fell a prey. The Union Rank had a temporary respite By this time the" Argyll Hotel was ablaze. The concrete walls of the store of Messrs. Carr and Son gave way and the bond store became completely ignited and liquid streams of fire flowed through the underground drain from the cellar mingling with the Turanganui river below and forcing the flames far out ditto the middle of the stream. Kerosene, of which there were many tins, next caught in the store and the tins bursting the oil ran along the ground nn.d quickly communicated the flames to McFarlane’s Hall. Not a breath of wind disturbed the serenity of the atmosphere and far and wide the lurid light reflected all around. The .. n.-u-o u: me trunk ... ,v.-w /.**!.—

were cracked and the same state of affairs occurred at Nasmith’s buildings. The verandah of Air. Adair’s building was covered with blankets that were kept wet. As for the .Masonic Hotel it had, a marvellous escape. If it had gone other buildings must have followed. Upon the roof of Air. Townlev’s shop large embers now lodged and constant supply of water had to he maintained. The fire was seen sixteen miles out at sea. it was estimated that £20,0C<3 worth of damage was done. At the inquest a verdict was returned that there was no evidence to show hovi 1 the fire originated and that it started in Carr and Son's woolstore. A rider was added to the effect that if there had been any means or dealing with the fire much valuable property would have been saved.