FIRE ON THE KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

New Zealander, Volume XXIV, Issue 2603, 14 February 1866, Page 3

FIRE ON THE KARANGAHAPE ROAD.

Shouti.y after 12 o'clock last evening the sound of the fire-bell was again heard throughout the city, and crowds of people were speedily astir in the streets, endeavouring to discover its whereabouts. Only a very short time elapsed before the illuminated sky unmistakably indicated the vicinity, which was found to be a handsome two-storey building, owned by Jas. Williamson, contractor, Kurangahape Road, Newton, and very close to the new Congregational Church at Newton, which was so recently opened for divine service. The house, which was crcctoJ hy Mr. WUlUunjou ou.no .v liu. o about eighteen months njjo, was a substantial two-storey building, containing eleven rooms, and was occupied by himself and wife, and two other poisons. Besides the part occupied by the owner, there was a house and shop occupied by Mr. Clark, greengrocer, and in these the fire is said to have originated, flames having been seen in the shop shortly after 12 o,clock by a person passing, and immediately afterwards by the policeman on duty in the neighbourhood. The alarm was immediately given, and steps taken to awaken the occupants of the premises, by bursting iu the door. The occupants of adjoining premises were awoke by the noise, and by cries of fire. The flames, however, had obtained such firm hold of the building by this time that no hope of saving any part of it could be entertained, tiut little possibility even remaining of rescuing property of the occupants Mr. Williamson had barely time to put on a portion of his clothing before the flames spread to his part of the premises. Mr. Clark and Mr. Green, who occupied the remainder of the building, were also in a similar position, being unable to save any of their property from the rapidity with which the flames extended and enveloped the building. A wood-turner's shed, occupied by Mr. Swiuuerton, situate between the building and the' Star Hotel on the west side, was dragged into the road in order to prevent the- flames extending to the nearest building—the Star Hotei. By this means not only was the hotel saved, but the Newton Congregational Church, which is almost adjacent. Mr. Williamson was away from home until about 8 30 p.m., when he returned, and upon arriving at the house spoke to Clark, the occupier of the house in which the fire originated. lie then went into the house, and retired to bed shortly before I 9 o'clock; being awakened by hearing the neighbours knocking at Clark's door, and crying •' Fire," about 12 o'clock. A t\vo roomed house at the roar of the building was occupied by a man named Green, a carpenter, and was totally destroyed. The eleven roomed house was insured for £ 100 in the Victoria Fire and Marine Insurance Company, but the cost of the erection it is stated, exceeded double that amount. The only articles of furniture; which Mr. Williamson had time to save were two boxes. The City Board water carts and the Northern fire-engine were dragged to the scene of the c mflagralion, but owing to the distance the fire had almost expended itself before they arrived.— Southern Cioss.