DESTRUCTIVE FIRE ON LAMBTONQUAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6691, 27 September 1882, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE ON LAMBTONQUAY.

At about a quarter to 10 o’clock last night all the firebells in town rang out the alarm, and it was at once apparent that a conflagration had started in a most dangerous part of the city. Before a crowd had time to assemble, a dense volume of smoke was ascending from the block of Iron and wooden buildings just south of Orr’a large restaurant and hotel, and m a few moments the flames burst forth. Those who had the beat view ef the fire were the persons who ran up Woodward-street and along the Terrace, and they immediately saw that the back portion of the premises occupied by Mr Croskery, auctioneer, was in flames. There was a strong nor’-wester blowing at the time, and the building where the fire originated being the centre of a large block of structures built of inflammable material, there was every prospect of the destruction of hundreds of thousands of pounds’ worth of property. The Fire Brigade were on the spot in good _ time, but there was some considerable delay in getting the water on, and before the progress of the flames was checked to any appreciable degree the fire had almost destroyed the back portion of Mr Croskery’s premises, and obtained a hold of Mr Holliday’s book and fancy goods shop ; while, almost immediately after, a shed at the back > f the premises occupied by Mr Wiggins, saddler, was The first hose that was brought to bear was directed from a narrow passage between the premises occupied by Messrs Wiggins & Croskery, and soon other branches were brought into play—one or two from the inside <f Mr Holliday’s shop. The wind, fortunately, lulled about this time, and enabled the firemen to do good work. By a quarter past 10 o’clock all danger of the flames spreading further was over, and 1 , soon afterwards, nothing remained of the conflagration but a heap of smouldering ruins where it first broke out. The Fire Escape Corps were on the spot with commendable promptitude, but, happily, their services were not wanted. The Salvage Corps, under Captain Shannon, turned out well, and worked with a will, removing a large portionof Mr Holliday’s stock and several tons of goods from Mr Croskery’s rooms, In the first-mentioned case, the property, which consisted principally of books And fancy goods, was spoiled by removal and exposure to the weather —a steady rain having commenced soon after the fire brake out. Nearly all that remained in Me Holliday’s shop was more or less injured by ■fire and water. Mr Holliday and his relatives were not at borne when the alarm was given, but he was soon ou the spot, too late, however, to save much. His stock was insured for £2050, and his furniture for £IOO in the Norwich Union, Transatlantic, National, and Standard offices, but he estimates his loss at considerably over that amount. Mr Wiggins, saddler, did not suffer to a very large extent. Ho lives at Featherstone Terrace and, so far as wo know, up to a late hour last night had not heard of the fire. His [foreman (Mr Stevens) was on the premises until a quarter-past nine, and, leaving everything safe, as he believed, left for his 'home in Majoribank street. He was there when the alarm was givea, and made such gsod use of bis time that he was at the scene •of the fire in a few minutes. When he arrived the flames had spread to a shed ■at the back, built of wood and iron. In this there were a number of empty cases, and about a ton of straw used for staffing horse-collars. This straw was on fire, but by the application of several buckets of water the flames were kept under till the Brigade brought their hose to bear. The straw was destroyed, and the shed will have to be rebuilt, but the whole loss cannot be more than £2O to £3O, and this is covered by insurance in the office of the South British Company. There is no doubt that the fire broke out on Mr Croskery’s premises, which consisted of an auction room facing Lambton-quay, an office behind that, a stable •still further back, and a shed in which a lot of flax, flock, skins, £c., were stored. From what we can learn, the fire was discovered by Constable O’Farrell, who is of opinion that it originated between the stable and Mr Croskery’s office.

The place was full of goods of all kinds, furniture, bedding, bags of oatmeal and flour, cheats of tea—in fact, everything that might be expected to be found in an auction mart. Mr Croskery was last night quite unable, in the absence of his books, to estimate, the value of the property in his place ; but, though there was considerable damage in removal, the salvage will represent a .'large sum. He left the premises at a quarter to 6 o’clock in the evening, and his storeman left about a quarter of an hour afterwards. There was no fire used

on the premises, and then everything appeared to be safe. When Constable O’Farrell saw the fire he immediately ran to the back of the premise], and sent a man named Stevens to give the alarm. Mr Croskery lives out of town, and did not arrive on the scene until shortly before midnight. He believes that the stock was insured for £IOOO in three offices—the Guardian, Standard, and Associated Companies—and the building is also reported to have been insured for £256. Mr Croskery states that, so far as he recollects, without reference to policies, in the two offices of which Mr Ladd is agent tho insurances on his property amounted to £750, It is known, however, that the greater part of this is reinsured.. The land on which the buildings stand is the property of Mr Evans, and we understand that Mr Duff owned the premises destroyed by tire. Mr Croskery, who lives in Hopper-street, only heard of the fire after he had retired to bed, and came on the scene shortly before midnight. The Salvage Corps, under the energetic command of Captain Shannon, did good service, and the goods salvaged were removed with all possible promptitude to St. George’s Hall. In doing this there was some little difficulty. Horses were requisitioned, but the animals jibbed, and as delays were dangerous in the face of the heavy rain falling, Captain Shannon called for volunteers, and all the small boys on the scene quickly came to the fore and yoked up like young Trojans. Their efforts were re-, warded by douceurs of 2s and 3s each, whereat their delight knew no bounds, and they cheered Captain Shannon and bis men, and went on their way rejoicing, hoping possibly that fires would occur again and often.