FIRE IN THAMES-STREET.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1180, 28 January 1880, Page 2

FIRE IN THAMES-STREET.

About 1 o'clock to-day an alarm of fire was rung out by the church bells, and within a short time the streets were lined with people rushing to the scene of the fire. This had broken out in a wooden store at the rear of Messrs. Bailie and Humphrey's grocery store, and immediately adjoining the bakehouse. Within a few minutes the flames burst through the roof, and it was at once evident that nothing could stay the progress of the flames, for the adjoining buildings, forming a portion of the Queen's Hotel, were composed of wood. Efforts were at once made to remove all the timber in Messrs. Craig and Co.'s timber yard lying near the fire, and so prevent the fire spreading in that direction, while scores of willing hands were busily engaged removing the furniture and stock from the hotel, Messrs. Bailie and Humphey's store, and the small shops on the south side. The Fire Brigade attended quickly, but the want of a supply of water greatly interfered with their usefulness, although they managed to do a considerable amount of good by playing upon the buildings on the 3 opposite of the right-of-way. With alarming rapidity the flames spread from the store wherein the fire originated to the back portion of the Queen's Hotel, comprising a number of bedrooms, &c., and within a few minutes the whole of this part of the building was enveloped in flames. The heat was now intense, and it was difficult to do anything near the burning pile, but still the work of removing goods from the premises in front of the burning mass v.'as vigorously carried on, and a considerable amount of the carelessness generally shown at fires was exhibited, a large amount of the property removed being broken or damaged in removal. In almost less time than it takes to write this brief account, the roof of the store fell in, and was quickly followed by that of the rear part of the hotel. The progress of the fire at Bailie and Humphrey's was checked by the friendly stone wall, and it was hoped that' the stone wall of the main part of the hotel would prove equally effective in thai; direction ; but the flames were carried under the roof by the breeze blowing in: that direction, and it soon became apparent that the whole building would be gutted. This was speedily accomplished by the ruthless devouring element, and from, the roof of the hotel the flames spread to the roof of Bailieand Humphrey's store, but here, a body of men were stationed, and by applying water, kept the flames from doing much damage. Oh the South of the Queen's Hotel, the two small shops occupied by Messrs. D. Murray (bootmaker), and M'Bride (tobacconist) fell an easy prey to the devouring element, the whole of the interior of the hotel being burned clean out, leavingnothingbut the walls standing. Fortunately the flames spread no further, but still a vast'«Mfiojjnt of damage was done. How the fire originated 'wp have been unable to ascertain, but it probably arose from the fireplace in the bakehouse adjoining the store in which the fire was first discovered.

The whcle of the buildings were tl;e property of Mr. J. MarkJjatii, and. were insured for thg following amounts, which can only be given in lump sums, ss( it is impossible to say what proportion is upon the different buildings : Royal, L 250 New Zealand, LXQ6O;

Victoria, LIOOO (LSOO re-insured in the Union); making a total of L 4560. Mr. Markham's stock and furniture were insured for LIOOO in the New Zealand office, LIOOO in the Transatlantic, and L6OO in the South British (half reinsured in the Colonial). Messrs. Bailie and Humphrey's stock, &c., in the several buildings was insured as follows Norwich Union, L 100 0; Victoria,: LIOOO (XSOO re-insured in the Colonial); Colonial, L 100 0; United, L 100 0; Transatlantic, LSOO ; making up a total of L 4500. Mr. D. Murray's stock, which was got out, though slightly damaged, was covered by a policy in the South British for L2OO. Mr. M'Bride's stock was not insured, and was fortunately saved. It will be seen that the total insurances amount to L 11.860, but it is difficult to say what portion of this the several companies will be called upon to pay, but speaking roughly we should think the total amount cannot be set down at less than LBOOO. The policies held by Messrs. Bailie and Humphrey do not amount to the firm's estimate of the value of the stock, which they set down at over LSOOO. Most of the stock in the main shop was got out, though as there wasthroughout a strong probability of the building being saved, defended as it was by four of the strongest stone walls in the town. Had the place been securely fastened up the whole of the stock might have remained intact, but as it was a considerable amount of damage was done in removal. Mr. Markham will also be a heavy loser, for while his insurances will not cover his direct loss, his indirect loss will also be considerable. It is fortunate that the surrounding buildings were composed of stone, otherwise there is no knowing where the fire might have extended to, for, in the absence of water in sufficient quantity to be of any service in extinguishing it, and the want of proper appliances, the Brigade, aided by. the public, would have been powerless to stay the progress of the flames. We would' be doing an injustice to a large body of men were we to omit to. inention that they worked vigorously, and are still working, to extinguish .the fire, which, though powerless for further damage, continues to burn. "We would also mention that Messrs. Lintott and Otterson sent three casks of beer for the men who have been working so hard a gift that was highly appreciated.