FIRE AT KOHIMARAMA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9075, 8 June 1888, Page 5

FIRE AT KOHIMARAMA.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE SCHOOL. About half-past seven o'clock on Wednesj day evening a hay shed at Kohimarama | Industrial School was discovered to be on fire. At the time Mr. Hogan, the manager of the school, was with the boys, who were at evening prayers. The whole school and all the attendants at once turned out, and a bucket brigade was formed. For about an hour the fight with the flames continued, but at last, after hard work, they were subdued. The school and buildings had a narrow escape, as a stiff wind was blowing from the south, and at one time the whole of the buildings were in danger, and had it not been for tho great efforts made they would have pone. We may add that, strange to say, there are no appliances at tho place to quell a fire of this sort, and the school is almost at the mercy of any outbreak of fire. It is believed the fire was wilfully set, and Mr. Hogan, yesterday wired to Inspector Broham, asking him to send a man down to inquire into it. Detective Hughes was sent yesterday afternoon, and soon arrested a man named Alexander Duncan. It seems that Duncan was the only man seen round there during the evening. Mr. Brakenrig had been announced to conduct a service at tho school, and Duncan came down to attend it. Mr. Brakenrig was, however, prevented from being present, and the man left. Near the hayshed a box partly filled with matches was found. These matches were of a different brand to those used at the school, and corresponded with other boxes of matches found at the prisoner's residence. On this and the fact that he was the only man seen near during the evening the arrest on suspicion was made.