BLUEJACKETS AT FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18551, 8 November 1923, Page 11

BLUEJACKETS AT FIRE.

ASSISTANCE FOR BRIGADE.

THE LYTTELTON OUTBREAK

Bluejackets from H.M.S. Laburnum assisted to subdue a fire at Lyttelton on Saturday night, when three shops were burned down. A few minutes after the alarm was given a fire picquet of twelve men from the war-sloop swung round the corner at tins double. They were properly equipped with fire-fighting appliances such as axes, ropes and grapnels. The party was in* charpe of First-Lieutenant C. Churchill and Surgeon-Lieutenant-Comman-der Watson and Lieutenant Benny were also in attendance. Speaking after the fire, Superintendent W. B. Carson said that the naval men were of the greatest assistance, and the brigade's best . thanks were due to them. The men placed themselves under the orders of the brigade, and did just what was asked of them without trying to take charge of the job. They also assisted the police in keeping the crowd in check. The fire occurred directly opposite the Harbour Light Theatre, where there was a full house. Despite the efforts of the manager and staff, in keeping doors and windows closed, the smoke entered uic theatre. Fortunately, the picture kept running and there was no panic. As it became known that there was a fire nearby the audience began to trickle out until less than 200 remained.

The smoko was so thick in the theatre then that it partly veiled the picture, and the heat was intense. Some five or six minutes before the session was due to end the electric light was cut off at the f/vttelton sub-station on account of the danger to the firemen working on the buildings and the remainder of the audience then left. The operator, whose cabin faced the tire, had a most trying time with the smoke and heat, and he lost no time in removing his stock of film to * place of safety. '••■"'