Fires

Southland Times, Issue 12124, 2 May 1908, Page 3

Fires

XH STOBBXff DJ.C. Ptr United Frees Association. DUNEDIN, May 1. A Are occurred In the drapery department Of the D.I.C. at 8.15 this morning. Sweepers noticed it and got th« hose to work quickly and suppressed the outbreak. Tho damage by fire and water amounted to a few hundred pounds, the loss being in the dress, glove, and hosiery departments. Tho cause Is not known, but it Is conjectured that one of the sweepers accidentally dropped a match. MEW CHBISTCHXraCH THEATRE. HAS A KABBOW ESCAPE. CHRISTCHURCH. May 1. Last night the Theatre Royal was endangered by an outbreak of fire, which' was fortunately discovered in an Incipient stage, just after the conclusion of the performance of “ His Highness the Bey.” by Pollard’s Juvenile Opera Company. The company were placed In position on tho stage for a flashlight photograph, but the smell of burning cloth aroused the suspicions of some of the stage staff. They searched the buildings, but did not trace the lire until clouds of smoke were seen issuing from a dressing room. The prompt use of the water supply in the building extinguished the fire. Ths origin of the outbreak Is not known, but it is thought that it was started by some clothing catching fire from a gas jet in the dressing room. Damage to the extent of about £25 was done, almost ail by water, which completely saturated the stage and private clothes of those using the room. The sew theatre had a very narrow escape from tire last night. Superintendent Smith, after having viewed the scene of tho outbreak, said that but for the promptness with which the fire was dealt with the theatre would have beep extensively damaged. The flames had burnt through the wood lining in the dressing room, but were extinguished before they could obtain a good hold. Had the fire remained undiscovered for but two minutes It would have travelled up under tliO lining and ’the water would have been of little use. The hose in the theatr' needed lengthening and the gas jets m tho dressing room needed wire cages to protect them from the flimsy materials of the stage dresses. The discipline of the Opera Co. was well exemplified when the outbreak occurred. One or two of the adult members of the company left the stage to help extinguish the flames, but the juveniles were told by MV T. Pollard that they wore to remain la their positions until lie gave them orders to move. Not one of the children disobeyed the instructions, and they remained on tho stage confidently waiting until the danger ,raa suppressed.