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Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 3, Issue 134, 14 April 1860, Page 8

Destbtjctive Fire this moening-.— Shortly after 3 o'clock this morning the fire bell adjoining the Custom-house sounded forth an alarm long and ominous, in consequence of a fire being discovered, raging in the new brick premises, near to the corner of Shortland and Queen Streets, in the occupation' of Mr. S. Collins. The fire commenced in Mr. James Henderson's office, situate on the first floor of the building. We were on the spot immediately after the alarm, and were grieved to find that the fire had already obtained a firm hold of the roof, and threatened the destruction of the adjoining houses. This, we regrefc to say, has been accomplished, as far as the Messrs. Clieeseman's premises, in Queen-street, where, fortunately, a thick wall, together with the play of water from the engines, obstructed the further progress of the flames. Five houses have been totally gutted, viz., those occupieed by Mr. Collins, Mr. Buchanan, Messrs. Dawson & Kay, and the Messrs Cheeseman ; the upper stories being used as oifices, in the occupation of Mr. Jas. Henderson, Mr. Wynn, and Mr. Creagh, solicitors, the New Zealand Insurance Company, the 'lmperial Fire Insurance Company, and Mr. G. S. Graham. As we are just about to proceed to press (six o'clock, a.m.) we cannot give further details j but we may mention that the promptitude of the Auckland Volunteers, who were speedily on the scene of disaster, and the valuable services rendered by the crew of the " Elk," are deserving of the highest commendation. — Southern Cross, March 27. - Spots on the Stjn.-— The Sun is at present in an unusual condition of eruption. Six very large spots may be seen on'his face by means of astronomical telescopes, or by common prospect glasses, the eye being protected by a dark coloured glass.