FIRE AT REMUERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 3624, 23 June 1873, Page 2

FIRE AT REMUERA.

The congregation worshipping at the Independent Chapel, at Kemuera, were disturbed yesterday forenoon, by the alarm of " Fire !** A number of gentlemen immediately hastened out, when it was discovered that the residence of Mr. Forster, saddler, of Queen-street, was in flames. The fire, we understand, was first discovered by Mr. Bowman, who, with some of the men connected with Mr. Fisher s slaughter-house, rendered what assistance they could. livery eifort was niade to save as much of the furniture as possible, but in a very few minutes after the lire broke out, the flames had secured such a hold of the building, that it was found impossible to save anything excent a portion of the drawing-room furniture. ' A very valuable piano fortunately was rescued, but very little eldo of any consequence. The stable and ali the outhouses were totally destroyed. For some time itwas thought that the next house, occupied by Mr. Patterson, would also have been destroyed, water being very scarce, and the wind blowing in the direction of that building. lit case of the worst happening, Mr. Patterson 3 cottage was soon emptied of every article ic contained. Wet blankets, however, were placed on that part of the house moat exposed to danger, and water applied as y as it could be obtained. Through the exertions of the neighbours, who lent all the assistance in their power, this place was o - tunately saved. The origin of the fire is not known. Mr. and Mrs. F-.rater had gone to church, leaving their female servant at homo in charge of their two children, lbe gir not appear to know how the culam ty occurred, but when first seen, the flames were issuing from tho back portion of tne house, probably the kitchen. The P rO P fcalonged to Mr. James McKcrras, and wa believe, was insured in the Koyul InsurMca Company for something like Forster's furniture was, we regret to lean?» only partially insured, and great sympathy was felt for him and Mrs. Forster, in thus so unexpectedly being deprived of their home, and its contents.