FIRE IN THAMES STREET.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2083, 6 January 1879, Page 2

FIRE IN THAMES STREET.

A fire, not so serious in its consequences as it might, and as it was expected it would hav.e been, broke out in Solomon's Music Saloon, Thames street, on Saturday night last. The fire was first discovered by Mr Root Lindsay, who was passing by on his way home from business, about 12 o'clock, or just after the public houses had dosed. He thought he could detect the presence of smoke, and standing for a moment distinctly heard some of the articles in the shop, which was of course closed, drop. It at once occurred to him that the place was on fire, and he immediately set about getting aid in order to effect its extinction. Running down the pavement as far as the Swan Hotel, he saw two men standing just at the right-of-way, who, on being informed, instantly went back with Mr Lindsay, who thereupon also warned the police. By the time Constables Donovan and Cameron arrived only a few minutes had elapsed since the first alarm, and besides thoso already mentioned the only persons present were Mr Hamilton, in the employ of Mr Headland, and Mr Robt. Crouch. Efforts were at once made to obtain access to the shop, and this was accomplished by bursting in the side door. When firat seen the fire had not gained much headway, but was leaping up to the ceiling, which was scortched and blackened considerably. Plenty of willing hands were soon on the spot, and Mr Hamilton procured some bucket* from Mr Headland's Stable, which, being quickly filled from tfie same gentleman's tanks, were handed in to two or three of the.more courageous, who had made their way into the shop. Mr Headland himself, who was aroused shortly afterwards, came down to the scene, and, opening his shop, distributed a large number of buckets among the crowd, by whosa exertions any fear of the danger spreading was soon removed. While water was taken upstairs and poured larishly on the floors so as to prevent the fire spreading upwards. Dr. Fleming, with the aid of a powerful syringe, was carefully extinguishing all the remaining traces of it in the shop below. The damage done was, of course, considerable, several valuable melody organs and pianofortes being either burnt or rendered valueless by fire, water, and the" rough handling which could hardly be avoided in shifting them out into the street. Many of the instruments which stood at the opposite side cf the shop from where the fire originated have, however, suffered very little. Many articles of smaller size, vases, toys, music, etc., were destroyed by the many feet and hands of people that went into the shop with the very laudable intention of saving property, Had the suggestion of some foolish -person, in the early s.tages of the fire, to break open the front door been acted upon, nothing, we think, could hare saved from total destruction the whole of the block to the north, which includes the premises of Messrs R. L. Rule, Faloonor, and 11. C. Lindsay, and is composed almost entirely of wood, Among those who rendered valuable assistance besides the gentleman we have named, were Messrs H. B. Hook, A. M<Kay, Sheridan, G. Newey, Dick, H. Marks, and others whose names we were unable to ascertain. Sub-Inspector Smith arrived at about a- quarter past oue, and took the direction of affairs, speedily reducing everything to the best possible order. Mr W. J. Smith (South British Insurance Office) was also sent for, but only arrived

after the fire had been completely extinguished. We understand the atoclc was insured for LlOOO in the South British Office. The building, which is the property of Messrs Butterworth Bros., and is considerably damaged, is, we presume also covered against lire, bat in what office and for what amount we have no moans of finding out, at present. It is to be regarded as indeed a fortunate circumstance that the building is of stone and well constructed, otherwise onr notice of the damage would have had to include d large number of the adjoining structures, [t is also fortunate for us, in the absence of an efficient water supply, that so many of our business, and, indeed, private houses ire constructed of such fireproof material. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Mr Solomon, who was sent for, and camet down at about a-quarter to 1, said he Ml left the shop at a quarter-past 10, and; was careful to put out the gas, and did not, feeliug unwell, as was his usual custom, light his pipe before leaving. The affair is, therefore, all the more peculiar, as there is no fireplace in the shop, and no matches, or any combustible material was kept in stock. Tae flames, when first observed, were proceeding from behind the counter and the shelves just above, on which had been stowed a large quantity of music books, fancy goods, <tec., had partly collapsed and were on fire. This is all that is known as to the cause.