FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10269, 10 February 1894, Page 6

FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

A -SLAUGHTER-HOUSE DESTROYED. Late on Thursday night, the slaughterhouse of Messrs Owen and Dyer, butchers, at Lyttelton, was totally destroyed by fire. The yards are located at Casa Bay, a little over two miles from Lyttelton, along the road leading to Governor’s Bay. The flames were first seen by Mr Gallagher, a dairyman residing at the Bay, and the building was then well in flames. Mr Gallagher sent his lad to release any stock that might be penned up in the place, whilst he rode to Lyttelton for assistance. The young fellow succeeded in letting out eighteen sheep and two bullocks, which were penned up ready for killing next morning; but the fire had then such a; hold on the building that two dogs,-which were chained up, and a pig had to be left to burn to death. Besides the building the firm,lost the whole of the stock killed during Thursday, comprising some fourteen .carcases of mutton, a body of beef and two pigs, together with a cart, harness and other gear ussd in connection with the work; also, some five tons of tallow, which was in casks, ready for shipment. When the news reached Lyttelton it was known that the Brigade could be of no assistance, consequently the alarm was not sounded, but Mr W. J. Toomey, the superintendent of the brigade, and the firm’s employes went out to the Bay. When they reached the scene the fire was raging fiercely, the old wooden building and the tallow alfording the flames excellent fuel. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is thought that a defective chimney was the cause. The copper fire had been used during the afternoon, but when Mr Dyer and some of the employes left at 6 p.m. it was apparently out. The building is the property of Mr E. W. Morton, and, as far as can be ascertained, is uninsured. Messrs Owen and Dyer estimate their loss at from £230 to £350.