NEW ZEALAND HERALD, AND AUCKLAND GAZETTE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1842. TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BY FIRE.

New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, Volume I, Issue 66, 6 April 1842, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND HERALD, AND AUCKLAND GAZETTE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1842. TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES BY FIRE.

About half-past 8 o'clock on Monday last, the inhabitants of Auckland were thrown into the utmost consternation, by the outbreak of fire in the office of the Surveyor-General, in Official Bay. No sooner was the alarm given, than the principal port/on of the inhabitants, the military, and last, Aot least, the officers and men of the French frigate VAube, were assembled on the spot in a few seconds. The Surveyor-General's office was one mass of fire, which quickly spread to the western wing and adjoining new buildings; the new office intended for the Attorney-General was soon laid waste, as was also the Draft office. The adjacent property of F. Mathew, E?q., Chief Police Magistrate, was placed in considerable jeopardy, as a strong easterly wind was prevailing at the time. The whole of the contiguous fencing was removed, but the flames, however, worked to windward and saved it from, as it would seem, almost inevitable destruction. During this period, every nerve was strained to save the official documents of the Colony from the devouring element, which were deposited in the offices of the Colonial Secretary, Commissioners of Claims, Collector of Customs, and the Colonial Treasurer. No sooner had this been principally accomplished, than the roofing of the Colonial Secretary ignited, and soon fell a prey to the flames.

An attempt was made by the military seconded by several volunteers, to cut off the fire at the junction of the Secretary's office and the Custom House, by pulling down the Commissioner's of Claims office, but every attempt at this proved unavailing; and scarcely had the whole of the documents and furniture been removed from the Custom House and Treasury, than those buildings were yielding and disappearing in the mist of conflicting elements, which were raging with volcanic power ; and in less than one hour from the commencement, the whole was nought but mouldering ashes.

As to the occasion of the fire, various reports are extant; but the one most credited, is that the

carelessness of some carpenters who were employed in the Surveyor-General's office, having left a fire burning for the purpose of melting some glue during their absence at breakfast, and it is supposed from thence it originated.

The estimated loss is from £ISOO t0,£2000. The whole of the documents, charts, plans, instruments, &c. &c, that were deposited in the Surveyor-General's office, were totally destroyed ; we are happy, however, to add, that the principal and most valuable portion of the instruments are in use in the field.

Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the officers and seamen from the French frigate L'Aube, who were unremitting in their exertions.

Amongst the most active in saving the property, and in attempting to extinguish the flames, we observed the Colonial Secretary, Major Bunbury, Captain Richmond, F. Mathew, Esq., J. Coates, Esq. Sheriff, the Officers of the garrison, the military, and many of the inhabitants of Auckland.

An investigation took place at the New Court House, yesterday, as to the cause of the accident, but we understand no proof could be shown as to how it originated. We believe the examination is to be resumed this day. We are glad to see the matter sifted by the proper authorities, as there are various reports as to the origin of-the fire.