THE DUNEDIN FIRE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 886, 10 September 1879, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN FIRE.

[By Telegraph.] How the fire- originated is at- present a mystery, and under the intense excitement which at present prevails it is impossible to obtain anything like reliable information. The operations of the fireman, m searching for the bodies of the victims of the conflagration were patiently watched, and definite information as to the exact extent, of the disaster so far as human life was concerned was anxiously anticipated. Meantime most vague and unreliable rumours were m circulation as to the total number originally m the" house and the number saved or burnt. Seventeen succeeded m effecting their escape, ten of whom let themselves down by means of the clothes line, amongst his number being Anthony Oallan, Charles Ure, and John Dean. Three escaped by a ladder, two were brought down the staircase, and two fell d<>wn the exterior of the building ; of the latter one was the man Thomson, who was killed by the fall. The two Miss Wilsons, and the servant girl Margaret M'Oarthy, all of whom escaped, were more or less burnt, one of the Miss Wilsons being severely injured. It is conjectured that over2o victims perished* The brigade are now busily engaged searching for bodies amongst the debris ; eight bodies have been already found. During the vhole of yesterday laborers have been employed removing the debris at the scene of the late fire and searching for bodies. Twelve bodies were found, and it is believed that others remain. Some are utterly unidentifiable, and m several instances only portions of the remains were found. ; The Hospital authorities have placed a room at the disposal of the police., and bodies have been placed m it. ■--■"•-• The following is the list of bodies recovered, besides those that were mere parts : — Robert Wilson, aged 59. Sarah Wilson, aged 40. Frederick Wilson, aged 19. Sarah Wilson, nged 8. • Laurence Oliphant Wilson, aged 4; . Margaret McCartney, aged 19. George Augustus Martin, aged 23. John Taylor, aged 20. A ma n unidentified of ; the supposed name of Swan. - Another man and boy not known. ■•'