A Fire in Gisborne.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 196, 15 September 1888, Page 3

A Fire in Gisborne.

Ot-R late immunity from fires hs been such that when a fire dees break out it v regarded as a most exciting event, even though it IS oniv a defective chimney. But unfortunately on Thursday night there was a serious cause for any excitement. About 8.30 the alarm was given, and it was soon apparent th it it was a house in Carnarvon street. The house proved to be one owned and in the occupation of Mrs Clarke. HOW THE FIKE WAS DISCOVERED. It appears that Mr Waugh was mounting his horse in upper Gladstone road, on purpose to return home when he observed the glare of fire. A companion rushed to ring the bell whilst Mr Waugh m de all haste to the scene of the fire. The back part of the building was then in flames. Rattling at the front door and receiving no answer he immediately burst in the door and rushing in found the place full of smoke. Discovering no furniture in one room he concluded the house was unr.ccupied. But coming out again he met Mrs Clarke, the owner, who pointed out n room in which there were some valuables. Mr Waugh attempted to get in at the window, but was pulled back by one who foresaw the risk, for the smoke was inffocating, whilst the flames were spreading rery fast NO H OPE—WILLING HANDS. The tinglii g of the upper firebell soon brought a large crowd, but there was not the slightest hope of Saving the bui ding; the 6re had got i. good firm hold, and all that ('d be done was to look on, and be prejd to re-d er assistance directly the fire Kneed so far as to seriously endanger the funding dwelling-houses, that of the r. J Ward and Mr R. H. Scott being the taost likely to become a prey to the flames. As the fire progressed Mr Ward’s residence w*s in imminent peril. The heavy ihowers of rain which bad occurred just previously had a happy effect in abating the langer, but there was no doubt that the iouse must have caught (and with it Mr Scott’s) but for the willing and able assistance afforded , and the Brigade arrived at a rery timely moment. Flakes of fire were carried dowr Palmerston road as far as the Native College and Mr Moore’s house. As loon as the Brigade arrived safety was aslured, but the firemen had a good opportunity to pre ve their usefulness. ORIGIN OF THE HBE: THE LOSSES. There need hardly be the slightest doubt Mto the origin < f the fire. During the day Mrs Clarke had been induced to go down town to record her vote, and before going out she had told her little son to put the fire out that was burning in the grate in the kitchen. He had attended to her bidding, and Mrs Clarke and the son went out, the mother not thinking of looking at the fire. Coming home again Mrs Clarae stayed at Mrs East’s for tea, and her next intimation that her house was in flames was after hearing the alarm. Scantling had been used for fuel, and it is believed that the little boy had not properly quenched it, and eventually the wood had lighted up again, some of the crackling sparks falling on the matting. Nothing was saved, and the box which it was striven to eave contained much that was valuable from a practical and irredeemable from a sentimental point of view. It included about £2O in loose notes. The smoke that was wafted in the faces of those who attempted to rescue was more than any of them oould endure and there was but a brief interval before the flames shot right through the building. Among those who were first on the scene was Messrs Good and Sweete and they believe that even had they known where the box was no one could save it. The house was insured for £4OO, but it will be of little benefit to Mrs Clarke, and the furniture was not insured. Subsequently a little jewellery was found in the ashes in a fairly intact state, but all the papers were burnt.