FIRE IN NEW STREET.

Colonist, Volume XXXIV, Issue 6067, 23 March 1891, Page 5

FIRE IN NEW STREET.

About one o'clock on March 6th Constable Hawkaworlh, when on du,y hear the Custom Hou'f, noticed a reflection as irom a fi e in the dirr cton of Oollingwood street, and at once blew his whistle by way of giving an alarm. The Waimea street bell, opposite the Colonist officp, was speedily rung, and shortly afterwards the direction where iha Fervices of the Biigade wera required was plain. y discernible. It Vkßs found that the fire had broken out in ft small cottage in New stu-et, 50D13 two or three dcors west of Colliugwood street, in a building containing four or five smult rooms, and which had been unooouyied lor somti time. By the time those who first airmd reached the scene there appeared to be tire in every pa t of the building on tha ground level, and the general opinion was, that the plac-3 had been wilfully sst on fire. Some members of the Brigade mustered promptly, and under Captain Bird's direction the wat-r was directed upon the burniDg bui'dir.g, and the firo was soon got under, bat not befjic tie cottage \*aa practically destroyed. Tho nearest residence, occupied by Wr Bail, was s-eperated by some few feet of op'-n eraee, and his liouie was not damaged. Thn house destroyed was the property of Mr Lai kins, and fortunately was insured in the Norwich Union office for £150.