FIRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15856, 30 August 1913, Page 9

FIRE.

OUTBREAK IN CHRBSTCHUBCHT MARRINER'S WHOLESALE DRAPERY STOCK DAMAGED. Good work was done by tho Fire Brigade yesterday afternoon in extinguishing a firein the cellar of Marriner's buildings, Madras street. The blaze started in somo cases of plaited straw and linen goods, and the flames had obtained a' good hold before tho alarm was given at the Lichfield Street Station", a few yards away. Tho fire was first noticed by Mr H. J. Marriner, who leases the building and occupies the first floor, the ground floor being at present unoccupied, though ,tba cellar was used by him as a storehouse. When, the brigade arrived volumes of smoke were issuing from, the cellar, and great difficulty "was experienced in getting to the seat of the fire. Two leads were into the cellar, one from a door facing Madras street and one through a window v fronting on a right-of-way at the rear of the building; but even then tho flames were not subdued. The problem was solved by a fireman donning a smoke-jacket and wading.into the middle of the cellar). : where the flames had burnt through 12ft by 2ft rafters, and were eating through the flooring. In less than an hour the fire was under control, though it was many hours before the firemen had finished their work. When a reporter visited the scene of tho fire, he found Superintendent Warner and hie staff adding the finishing touches to what they termed "a dirty job." Tho cloaring-up process is the unromantdc side of a fireman's work, and cellar fires, on account of tho smoke, aro always most dis- . tasteful to the fire-fighters. .Although the cellar had been flooded with water, short work was made of pumping it dry, and salvaging the less-damaged stock. The building, which is owned by Sir Westby Perceval, has not been seriously damaged. Mr Marriner had his stock insured, but the insurances were not available last night. _ , The insurances in connection with the fira on Friday on the premises of Mr H. JV Marriner, Madras street, were as follow:— Stock-Alliance £2200, Northern £1000, Phoonix £950. The building is.insured inthe'London and Lancashire office for £1500. —(Copied from Christchurch papers.) In connection with the above, tho following telegram has been received.by Messrs W. Penrose and Co., George street:— Your tender has been accepted for the salvage fire 6tock, and the goods are . being' shipped immediately to yoa.— Marriner'. | ■ Tho salvage stock is being marked off, and will be ready for sale in a few days.