FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1205, 2 January 1875, Page 16

FIRE IN DUNEDIN.

We have to chronic? c another fire, which occurred about 1.25 p.m. on Tuesday, in the drying kiln of Mr J. Wilson's malting establishment, Rattray street. The Fire Brigade was on the spot shortly after the firebell sounded the alarm, and speedily had two jets playing on the flames, which were speedily extinguished, without much damage being done. Though nearly 500 people assembled in Rattray street, the Police had little trouble to keep them in order. The horses, carriages, and harness were quickly removed from the Shamrock stables ; but, thanks to the Fire Brigade, they might have remained there. The first hose was introduced to the upper floor of the premises by about twenty volunteers besides one or two members of the Brigade. One of Mr Wilson's employes, named Richard Beechey, particularly distinguished himself by his exertions. He was continually throwing buckets of water on the fire, and, after being nearly suffocated by the smoke, and saturated with water from the hose, he jumped through one of the skylights, and in endeavouring to effect an entrance through the galvanised iron roof for the hose that was playing outBide, he fell- over and hurt his back eonsidorably. The fire is generally supposed to have originated through over-heating the kjjn, 0 m ,0$ thp workmen WM4

Howison had turned the malt at noon, when the kiln appeared perfectly safe. About half an hour afterwards, upon his return, he found the kiln on fire, and immediately gave the alarm. Mr Wilson rendered much assistance by advising the Brigade in arranging the hose, and Captain Wales, of the City Guards, was conspicuous among the Volunteers that worked heartily to save the property. The roof was of galvanised iron, supported on timber rafters. There was malt to the value of some thousands of pounds on the premises, and this ran the risk of being considerably damaged by the water. The damage is estimated at about £500. Insurance had been effected for £2000 in the National Office and £1000 in the South British on the building, and £1000 in the latter office on the stock.