FIRE FIEND IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12166, 14 February 1908, Page 2

FIRE FIEND IN CHRISTCHURCH.

SIX OUTBREAKS DISCOVERED.

ATTEMPTS TO THE

BUSINESS AREA.

Per United Press Association. Christchurch, February 13.

To-night outbreaks of fire were discovered in no fewer than six different places in the business heart of the city, and the indications point to the fact that a band of incendiaries is at work.

All the outbreaks were similar in character, the contents of rubbish boxes in narrow alley ways being set alight aftsr the boxes had been placed against the walls of buildings.

The outbreaks were found in a right-of-way between the Grain Agency Buildings and the Cafe de Paris Hotel, at a point where several wooden shops abut ; in a right-of-way near Brice's corner, leading from Hereford-street along the back of a number of retail shops f routing on Colombo-street; in another right-of-way running from Cashel-street along the back of other shops fronting on Colombo-street : in a right-of-way at the back of the Al Hotel and of the wooden shops in another part of Colombo-street threatened by the big fire on Thursday last : in the right-of-way below the United Service Sotel, between Hereford-street and Cathedral Square ; and in the "Press " office right-of-way.

In some instances kerosene and fat had been used to give the fires a good start. All "the outbreaks were promptly suppressed, and the police have the matter in hand.