TIRE AT ST. JOHN'S WOOD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6189, 9 December 1881, Page 2

TIRE AT ST. JOHN'S WOOD.

A fire broke out in a six-stalled stable in 'Mechanic street, St. John's Wood, last night jabout half-past 10 o'clock. The city fire-bells rang out an alarm, and the Brigade from North Dunedin station turned out, but only went as as the Water-of-Leith. Firemen Battson and Kobb proceeded to the scene of the fire. They were, however, unable to do anything in consequence of want of water. The stable, which was awoodenone,wasthepropertyofMrJohuDempsey, contractor, and was entirely destroyed. At the time of the fire it contained four draught horses, a large quantity of harness, sacks, and straw. One of the horses was burnt to death, but with the timely assistance of Mr William Sly, the others were successfully rescued, one of them being badly burned. The last person to leave the stable was a boy, named Joseph Briggs, who hail been bedding the horses for the night, and' had left at 10 minutes to 10 o'clock. Briggs was using a light, which he took away with him after locking up the stable. He had struck a match, but had thrown it outside the door. Consequently it is not known how the tire originated, though when first seen it was burning strongly near the door, rapidly spreading amongst the straw. The Dempseys, who live in a house adjoining the stable, retired to bed about 10 o'clock, anc were aroused about 20 minutes afterwards. Three of the horses (including the one burnt) were insured in the South British for £25 each. The building was insured for £50, and the harness —part of which was saved—for £25 in the same office. Mr Dempsey estimates the value of the harness at £70, but is unable to state the amount of his entire loss.