FIRE AT HASTINGS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 19, 18 May 1896, Page 2

FIRE AT HASTINGS.

B. L. KNIGHT'S SASH AND DOOR PREMISES DESTROYED.

About twenty minutes to 12 yesterday'morning an alarm of fire was given by one of the Standakd employes. For some time previously be bad noticed smoke coming out of the engine-sbed of Mr B. L. Knight's sash and door premises, but thinking it was the steam from drying shavings he took little notice of it. As it increased in volume, however, he went over to investigate and found the lining boards alongside the engine in a blaze. He immediately gave the alarm, and the firebell brought the brigade in attendance in a wonderfully short time. The manual was set up in Messrs Webster and Stuart's yard, but through the bursting of the hose some delay was caused, and it was not until the steam fire engine got into play from the sewer at the corner of Heretaunga and Railway streets that any impression was made on the flames, which by this time had hold of the large adjoining shed, wherein a large and valuable stock w r as stored. Three strong jets were thrown on the conflagration, but the flames had such a firm hold that the efforts of the brigade were directed to prevent the fire spreading. Fortunately there was no wind at the time. The members of the brigade worked heroically and well, and although one or two of them were much knocked about they stuck to their duties like Trojans. At one o'clock nothing remained of the buildings but the shell; but the brigade were compelled to pour tons of water upon the smouldering remains before the fire was extinguished. The engine worked almost without intermission for over four hours and a-half, and did its work well. The salvage-corps under Lieut. Hunt was in attendance, but little could be done to save any of the stock. Some belting was the only article saved from the flames. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Knight, who had no insurance on his premises, and who loses close upon £2OOO.