A FATAL FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7115, 5 September 1884, Page 5

A FATAL FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

[BY TKLBOBArn. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Ciiristouorcu, Thursday. About three o'clook this moining Feather's Hotel, Addington, better known as Hansmann's, took fire and was burnt to the groilnd. The inmates were five in number : Sirs. Hansmann, a child, a servant, two boarders, a Jew hawker named Levitt, and » man named Smith, who works en the railway. The last named was awakened at three ».m. by a crackling noise, and found his room full of smoke. He gave the alarm, and neighbours and a constable saved a little furniture. The fire had a good hold when discovered, and no water was ava'lablo. The absence of Levitt was noticed wnile the fire was blazing, and fears as to his B*fetj were felt on all sides. About five o'clock Superintendent Turton noticed a black lump in the dChris, which presented a singular appearance. The police, with the members of the Fire Brigade, got it out, and found it was indeed the remains of the unfortunate man. They were removed to the Southern Cross Hotel, pending an inquest. Levitt was seen in tho kitchen preparing to ao to bed, by Mrs. HansmanD, between twelve and one, when she locked up, also by Smith, but neither saw him go upstairs. 'li»~ hotel was insured in tho Union Office for £!stHj, and tie stock in the Australian Mercantile Union for £1000. The nearest bnilding was somewhat damaged. It is insured in the Union Office for £200, and belongs to Mr. Pliss. Mr. Hansmann was absent at Timaru, but returned to-day. Mrs. Hansmann states that a small billet of wood was left smouldering in the bar purlour. Nothing definitely is known of what caused the fira. Levitt slept in a room jnst over the bar.