WELLINGTON.

Colonist, Volume VI, Issue 625, 20 October 1863, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

TIBE A.T POBIKUA AND LOSS OF LIFE.— It is our painful duty to have to record the total destruction of Mr. H. London's premises at Porirua by fire. The following are the particulars of the event, so far as we have been able to glean. The extensive premises known as "London's Hotel" were situated in close proximity to Porirua Bay, and were formed by the public-house, a general store, stables, out-houses, Ac., and a dwelling-house immediately adjoining the block. It appears that on Sunday night, the occupants of both houses retired to rest about ten o'clock, and shortly afterwards, one of three workmen who slept on the upper floor was awakened by a strong smell of fire, and he at once gave the alarm to the others. The men, having dressed themselves, opened the door, when a dense column of smoke rolled in. On reaching the upper landing they were met by a half-caste who was in London's employment, and in a body they endeavored to get down the staircase. Here there appears to be some doubt involved, for, while the other men escaped by the windows on the ground floor, the halfcaste was not seen again alive, but it is surmised that, becoming insensible from the suffocating smoke, he fell off the staircase, and, being stunned by the fall, was unfortunately burned. An alarm being raised, the window of the room occupied by Mr, Lon-

don was burst open, and on an entrances being, effected he was found to be quite insensible, and the flames were fast approaching his room. Mr. London was dragged forth, and we regret to learn that he has not yet recovered from the effects of the smoke. Every search was now made for the halfcaste, but without effect, nor was it until the following day that his remains were found, about the place where the staircase is supposed to have stood, in a most frightfully disfigured state. It will be in the recollection of our readers that throughout Sunday night it blew a terrific S.E. gale, and it will readily be supposed that the fire quickly destroyed the property, which, we believe, was estimated, including stock, at between £3000 and £4000. A small portion of this sum is covered by insurance, viz., Liverpool and London office!; £500; Northern Insurance Company, £600. We understand this is the third time Mr. London has been burned out since his residence in this colony, and we feel certain that on this, as on all other occasions, his misfortune will meet with the heartfelt sympathies of his fellow-settlers.— New Zealand Advertiser.