FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 771, 10 December 1886, Page 1 (Supplement)

FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

(united press association). Dunedin, December 6,

The large wooden goods shed opposite the Union Company’s offices was burned to the ground at 9 o’clock fast night. The fire must have been smouldering inside unnoticed probably for hours, as although it was only observed a few minutes before 8 o’clock, the whole shed from end to ©nd was soon ablaze.

A quarter of an hour after the outbreak the shed was one mass of flame, and from that time forward sections of the roof fell in at intervals, leaving the uprights standing, a long row of burning sticks. As these gradually fell, the double row of trucks inside became visible— they were burning fiercely, and it was plainly hopeless from the outset to save any of the contents, \ There was a pleasant breeze blowing, just sufficient to assist matters, and the flames travelled from the southern to the northern end with wonderful rapidity. By 10 o’clock the worst mischief was over, and in an horn- all that remained of the shed, which coat £3OOO, was an arrav of charred smouldering uprights. The fire’ was first seen simultaneously by two persons from different directions. James Lough was at the corner of Craw-ford-street, when he saw a blaze coming out of the centre of the roof at the extreme southern end. By the time he gob to the shed the fire had a pretty good hold, and the flames had spread a considerable distance along the inside. There were three trucks laden with wool standing close to the shed, which he uncoupled. Two or three other persons then put in an appearance, and with their assistance he ran the trucks up the line out of reach of the tire. Very shortly afterward the whole building was enveloped in flames. The origin of the fire has not been ascertained. The last persons known to have been in the building were two railway employes, named Wilkins and Atehinson, who entered the shed about 10 o’clock ou Saturday night for -the purpose of obtaining some trout. The night watchman states he passed the shed last evening about a quarter to 8, and everything appeared to be perfectly safe. Three-quarters of an hour afterward he was within 100 yards of the shed and did not observe any sign of fire. Twelve loaded trucks were destroyed. The shed was used as an export shed, and the bulk of the goods contained previous to the lire had been removed on Saturday night; the goods remaining chiefly consisting of sheepskins, hides, and wool in trucks, and some groceries. On this point it is impossible to obtain definite information, as it will reci aire four or five hours’ work before the goods despatched can be checked off, and goods remaining can be ascertained. The value of the goods destroyed is variously estimated, and the highest figures given a e £3OOO. Wright; Stephenson, and Co., Donald Reid and Co., and Mackerras and Hazlett are mentioned as interested, either as agents or owners in the goods destroyed. The building is uninsured. The principal losers are Wright, Stephenson, aud Co., who had 40 bales of wool. Other goods lost represent a loss of about £ISOO, including trucks. These goods are uninsured. Later. The- following is thp estimated damage done by the fire in the railway goods shed:— Bunding, £3OOO ; r twelve . truoks (partly saved), £6OO ; wool, £4OO ; 150 tarpaulins, £6OO ; merchandise, £2OO. The last only was insured. There was a floating policy on it for £IOO in the National and Equitable offices. The detectives think that the fire may have originated in a package of quicklime or a package of matches lying on the floor, while it is equally probable that it may have been caused by a spark from a passing engine falling on the wool, whioh was lying loose in the trucks, before these were put into the shed.