ALARM OF FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5680, 31 January 1880, Page 5

ALARM OF FIRE.

Yesterday evening about half-past 9 o'clock the fire-oells raDg out an alarm of tire. For some time it was uncertaiu where the fire was. It was noticed, however, that the alarm was first given by the tire-hell erected at Newton, and it was supposed it miut bo somewhere in that direction. Some said it was a chimney, and others said it was altogether a false alarm. The Fire Brigade mustered at the station, bat the man on the look-out could not see any appearance of fire reflected on the Bky, and after a time the majority of tho large crowd who had gathered around the Fire Brigade station began to think that, if not a false alarm, the fire must necessarily be of little importance. Meanwhile, Captain Butler and the Salvage Corps started from Crowther's stables in the direction of Newton, and after a little inquiry it was ascertained that the fire had taken place on the premises of Mr. S. C. Smith, who formerly kept a furniture warehouse in Hobson-street, but who now resides near the top of Beresfordstreet. The allotment on which the house he occupies is built fronts Beresford-street, bat goes back to Karangahape Boad. Between the house and the Karangahape Road boundary is situated a sa.all shed, iu which was stored the greater portion of two bales of flax. By some means the flax had become ignited, and hence tho alarm. Though the bales are burned all round, the fire was noticed in sufficient time to enable it to bs extinguished without difficulty. We believe there is no insurance upon the property, but had the fire been unobserved for a short time, it would certainly have damaged some property facing Karangahape Road. Before Captain Butler left he carefully inspected the place to see that all danger was past.