A DISASTROUS FIRE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12426, 15 February 1901, Page 6

A DISASTROUS FIRE.

DUNEDIN TRAMWAY COMPANY’S SHED GUTTED. [Per Press Association.] DUNEDIN, Feb. 14. A disastrous fire, which broke out in the Dunedin Tramway Company’s shed, in Cumberland Street, at. an early hour this morning, resulted in the shed being- practically gutted and in the destruction of a dozen CHITS. The night watchman at- the stables on the opposite- side of the street visited the shed at five minutes past midnight, and saw everything wa-s quite safe. At 2.15 a.m., hearing a noise, ho looked, in the direction of tho door and saw a glare, of fire under it. On going out- he found that the flames had a strong hold; The fire started about the ears which were running yesimby. It is inconceivable how the flames spread from one car to another in such a. short space of time. Portions ot the shed near the two fireplaces were scarcely touched by the flames, while the. carpenters’ shop suffered little damage. Mr Eglinton, who has-charge of the cars, went through tho shed at some risk, and found nearly every car that had been running yesterday had been reduced to a- mass of iron. Four cars that were run out were considerably damaged. Thu cEst-ruetinn of so much, slock will, for the time, seriously inconvenience Hi© city trailie. Thus is -the second time the city tramways have suffered from fire.

The Royal and London and Lancashire Offices each have £2250 on the cars, and the Imperial Office has £I3OO on the huild-