FIRES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 976, 14 November 1890, Page 26

FIRES.

About a quarter-past 4 on Tuesday after, noon dense volumes of smoke arising from the neighbourhood of the Marist Brothers’ school in Boulcott street caused an alarm to be rung on the city firebella. Upon investigation it was found that an iron stable at the rear of Mr T. Ballinger’s private house wa3 in flames. The stable contained a quantity of’loose straw and the usual odds and ends pertaining to stables in general. A coachhouse adjoining contained an express. The fire was first discovered by a six-year-old son of Mr Ballinger, who quickly informed his mother of the mishap. A speaking tube conveniently laid on from the bouse to Mr Ballinger’s shop in Willis street was used, with the result that several employes were soon on the scene. Mr Ba'linger has an admirable water service laid on, and a large sized hose was quickly brought into use, putting out the fire iu a few minutes. The Brigade were quickly on the spot, but their services were not re. quired. The stable is insured in the New Zealand office. The damage done is roughly estimated at about £SO. The wooden lining of the stuble, some harness, a wheelharrow, garden tools, lawn mower, and several small articles are destroyed. It is believed that the fire was caused by some small boys, who had obtained some matches and were amusing themselves by making a fire in one corner of the stable.

Soon after 1 am on .Tuesday an alarm was given on the firebells, when it was found that some rubbish in Kebbell’s yard, in Manuers street, opposite the Fire Brigade Station, was on fire. The outbreak was soon extinguished, before much damage was done.

(per press association.) Nelson, November 7. A seven roomed house in Vandieman street was totally destroyed by fire this morning. It was owned and occupied by Mr Andrew Henry, who was from home, but his wife was awakened by the roar of the flames. She snatched up two young children and escaped with them. Nothing was saved. 'I he insurance is £2OO on the building, and £IOO on the furniture in the National office. Timaru, November 10. A fire which occurred at 2 a.m. to.day destroyed the Baptist Church, which was built of timber six or seven years ago, at a cost of £650, and gutted an adjoiniug cot* tage owned and occupied by R. Munro, bootmaker. The church was insured for £450, and Mr Munro for £IOO, in the Equitable office. The fire commenced in the church, but its origin is a mystery. The congregation owed more than the insurance, and being a small body its loss is a heavy blow.