FIRES.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 5024, 6 October 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

FIRES.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, we reported that a fire had oconrred at Richmond, which was | said to have been at or near Messrs Hodder and Co,'b store, and it was certainly in a line with that building from the place whence our informant viewed it, but at/some little distance. We learn that Mr anctlVlrs Hay, of the White Hart Hotel, Richmond, were entertaining some friends, when, shortly after two, a smell of fire was noticed, and on a back room being entered, it was found full of smoke, and at once a strong body of flame burst forth. In a few moments all hope of Baying the building was at an end, and indeed it was found impossible to save any of the contents. On the alarm being given, the Richmond Brigade turned out promptly with their fire engine, and they succeeded in saving the stables, which must have been destroyed but for their efforts. The building, which belonged to Messrs Sharp and Sons, was insured in the National office, while the stock and furniture was covered to the extent of £600 by a policy in the Standard office, but Mr Hay estimates his loss, which included £25 in money, at £250 beyond the insurance. The origin of the fire is unknown. On the same night just before midnight the firebells in town were again set ringing, and once move the glare was in the- direction of the Waimeas. We now learn that the scene was at Stoke, and that a bara and stable belonging to Mr Gibson, and near the house formerly occupied by Mr B. Beeves, were destroyed with some contents. It appears that Mr Gibson entered the barn with a candle, when by some mishap he upset the light amongst some straw, which immediately blazed up. He ran for some water to quench the flames, but they at once assumed the mastery, and he had much difficulty in even getting the horse from the stable, The fire made a clean sweep. We have not been able to learn whether there weie any insurances or no 5. A fire occurred at the Lower Moutere at about 4 a.m on Sept. 19th, on the premises of Mr Richard Tannant, who is a very old and highly respected settler, resulting in the total destruction of all the outbuildings, which include cowsheds, stable, barn, and cart sheds, with all their contents, including three valuable working horses, together with hay and j cornstacks. It was only wtth the greatest difficulty that the house was saved, being protected by its iron roof. AU was safely left last night", and when the family were aroused this morning by the roar of the fire it had obtained such a hold that only the home could be saved,, and all assistance was given in that direction. The property is believed to be uninsured. There is no idea as to the origin, and much sympathy 13 felt here as well as at the Moutere for Mr and Mrs Tannant, who have thus lost in their old age the acquisition of many years of thrift, energy, and perssverance.