DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6065, 26 April 1881, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE

MESSRS. JAGGER & PARKER'S MILL

COMPLETELY DESTROYED. About half-past three o'clock this morning a fire was observed in the saw-mill of Messrs. Jagger and Parker, on the reclaimed land in Freeman's Bay. The fire-bells were rung, and very soon a crowd gathered to the spot. Before the fire was disco'vered it had a firm hold on the building, and it was seen that there was no chance of saving any part of the premises. In a very short time the Fire Bri <ade, under Superintendent Hughes, were on the ground, and began to play upon the boat-building yard of Mr. Gradyn, closely adjoining the premises of Messrs. Jagger and Parker. A part of the stock in the yard was saved, but the greater part of it was destroyed, as well as the buildings. The saw-mill appeared to have a large stock of timber in it, all of which was destroyed. A large quantity of dressed timber, for the new Ponsonby school buildin" was destroyed. The mill and stock will probably be worth from £2000 to £3000. It appears the fire was first seen in the centre of the building, near the steam-engine. The building and stock it contained was totally destroyed, but the brigade succeeded in preventing it spreading. The Salvage Corps, under Captain Butler, were on the ground, and aided in saving a quantity of timber. A number of police were also in attendance, and succeeded in preserving order among the crowd that 30011 assembled from all quartei-3. We are informed that there is no insurance on the property. Recently the premisesarid machinery were sold for about £1500, but additions have since been made.