THE SECOND ALARM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9183, 6 April 1910, Page 5

THE SECOND ALARM.

BIG STORE-ROOM IN FLAMES. \Vhilst_ the lire .at the High School was at its height the bell rang out a second alarm, and those people who wore still left in town wore not long left in doubt as to the locality of the outbreak, a. lurid light, accompanied by a heavy volume of smoke, arising from tho block of buildings at the back of Mr Pegden's new warehouse, and used by him as a storing and polishing room. It contained a stock of kapoc, and a whole host of furniture accessories, including the sides and fittings of 150 brass bedsteads. It was practically a two-storied building, roofed with iron, tho top floor being used for storage purposes. Despite the iron roof the building burnt with an intensity that left but little chance of saving it, even if the Brigade had not been already engaged. Tho second alarm resulted in a reel being brought from the station manned, apparently, by volunteers, and a line of hose was promptly run out to the fire from the Fitzherbert street mains. Unfortunately it appeared that the hydrant on the reel was an obsolete one, and it would not fit the plug opposite the bootmaker's shop in Fitzherbert street. A lot of time was lost in endeavouring to get tho hydrant screwed up, the fire in the meantime burning with a fierceness that threatened to overwhelm the whole block, especially since a fresh breeze sprang up. which seemed likely to carry the firo through the timber yard adjoining the factory. The flames were already working along Mr Porteous' stables, towards the Square, but just when the position seemed most critical a length of hose was run in from tho Square by a section of tho Brigade sent from tho High School fire, and they j quickly got the water on. |

In the meantime the attempt that was being made to get the hydra'nt to work at the plug in Fitzhcrbert street was abandoned in favour o-f a plug further clown the street, an extra length of hose being run out for the purpose. This load was taken through the back entrance to the factory to the fire, and a stream of water directed on the outbreak from the back of it. This, together with the powerful deluge that was being maintained from the side of tho building, soon had a perceptible effect on the seething mass of flame in the polishing room, which had been greatly increased by tho roof of the building falling in.

The delay, however, tlnit had taken place in getting the water from the Fitzhcrbert street lead, and also the fact that on two occasions the water from the Square failed for quite an appreciable time, had resulted in the flames working along to Mr Porteous' stable, and presently Ihe flames issued from tho skylight in tho roof. Tho. hose was taken from the side, and an attack directed upon the fresh outbreak from tho front of the stable and storeroom. This soon had an effect, and gradually the outbreak was smothered, though not before the whole of the polishing room was entirely demolished, and the whole of its contents destroyed.Tho polishing room was insured for £400 in the Yorkshire ofiice.

On the eastern sido of the outbreak the flames attacked the upholstering room, and the outside walls were completely destroyed. Stock from this room was got out and deposited in a safe place without any material damage. Neither the upholstering room nor the stock it contained, valued at between £200 and £300, was "insured.

On the southern, or Fitzhcrbert side of the outbreak the flames spread to the outside walls and roof of the timber shed, and had they got going there it would have meant the destruction of the whole of the back premises, including the factory, with its £1500 worth of new plant. As it was, with the exception of the destruction of a portion of the roof and the side of the shed nearest the outbreak, no damage was done, which was just as well since the shed contained a lot of imported valuable timber, which was not covered with a fire risk, and neither was the shed itself. During the past few weeks Mr Pegden has been re-building and renovating the whole of the back premises on a permanent basis. The result of the fire is that a fresh start will have to be made. Stock in the polishing room included about £100 worth of veneers", walnut, and oak. This was completely destroyed. Viewed from the rear of the building this morning there is no doubt that Mr Pcgdcn owes the safety of his fine new warehouse to- the brick wall and iron doors at the back. The fire travelled right up to the brick Avails, which arc scorched and blackened by fire and smoke, but could get no further. It is certainly providential that the fire did not occur before the new building was finished, and that it did not got into the timber yard and factory at the back. Had this occurred there would have been a conflagration and immense Mr Pegden. together with members of his family, were at work in the warehouse putting things straight when the High School fire started. Mr Pegden went to the fire, but the others stayed at the shop. They knew nothing of the outbreak on their own premises till the light of the flames showed through the back windows of the new shop. At Mr Porteous' premises the. chict damage by fire was in the upstairs of the shed adjoining the polishing room. The stock comprised sugar, flour, etc., and is a delightful mess this morning. It was insured for £100 in the N.Z. office, £50 London and Lancashire, and £280 on the building in the London and Lancashire, also £145 on the store and contents in t-ho Alliance. _ Mr Porteous estimates his loss on stock alone at £320, whilst Mr Pegden puts his down at between £500 and £600.