THE LATE FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4247, 30 October 1874, Page 3

THE LATE FIRE AT AUCKLAND.

(From the iVeio Zealand Herald, October 23.) The fire in Wakefield and Rutland-streets, which broke out early on the morning of the 22nd inst., proved rather a disastrous one for the Insurance offices, their losses being to the extent of £3350. It is fortunate, however, that the judicious and well-timed efforts of our new. Fire Brigade Superintendent, Mr. Hughes, were the means of preventing further damage. The fire was described as being the first that has been put out in Auckland. This is incorrect; it is in the memory of some of the oldest inhabitants, that a fire was successfully coped with by human power many years ago. Great credit is due to Superintendent Hughes for his skill and judgment displayed, and to the Brigade undov his command, for their united and untiring exertions in successfully preventing the spread of the fire. Great surprise .was expressed by those who viewed the ruins at the almost miraculous preservation of Mrs. Sandall's premises and the adjoining wooden houses. Expressions of admiration were freely made use of at the indomitable pluck that must have been shown in arresting the progress of the flames at this juncture. The side and roof of the wooden-built house thus saved is one mass of charred and blackened substance, thus bearing testimony to the fiery ordeal which it had passed through. If this is a specimen of Superintendent Hughes's skill, then Auckland city has just cause to be gratified that his services have been secured. The fire was not finally subdued until 6" o'clock a.m. next day, by which time eight buildings had succumbed. The losses may be summarised as follow : New Zealand, £750 ; Norwich Union, £7OO ; Victoria, £OSO ; Standard, £SOO ; Imperial, £SOO ; National, £250 ; Koyal, Liverpool and London, Northern and South British, nil. Sandall's premises not being destroyed, a £250 risk will only be a partial loss ; the same remark may be applied to the risk of £3OO by the Norwich Union. This office had a £SOO risk on the brick hotel, but on its lapsing on the 18th instant, the risk was taken up by the Standard. The insurance of £250 with the National on Mrs. Sandall's building was only effected on Wednesday afternoon, by Mi-. Greeuway, to cover a mortgage. At present nothing definite has been learned with regard to the origin of the fire. It is, however, evident that it first broke out in the shed at the rear of Mr. Kemsley's crockery shop, and formerly used by Mr. Sandall, the butcher, as a stable. When the fire had passed the Charlemont Hotel, it was determined by the superintendent to pull down two of the houses further up the street in order to effect a gap, with the hope of confining the fire, and the work was at once commenced, the houses occupied by Mr. Hunt, fruiterer, and Mr. Burke, tinsmith, being decided on to be demolished. At this stage, however, a lull took place in the fire, and redoubled efforts were put forth to control the flames, which were successful. "Very valuable aid was rendered by a number Of members of the Naval Brigade'' in removing furniture and goods.