FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4128, 4 September 1882, Page 2

FIRE AT CHRISTCHURCH.

A "LEARNED PIG" BURNT. [per press association.] A FTRE occurred in High-street, Christchurch, this morning, and made a clearance of some of the buildings which have long been an eyesore in the centre of the city. The fire commenced shortly after midnight, in a shop occupied by the " learned pig and armless lady," next to King's furniture shop, and nearly opposite Strange and Co., drapers. The fire commenced in the back premises, which half an hour before the alarm showed not the slightest symptoms of fire. Efforts were made to rescue the " learned pig," which was in the front part of the premises, but without avail, and it was roasted alive. The fire rapidly spread southwards, where the buildings were very old and of a very inflammable character. The progress of the flames northward was much slower, owing to K'ng's furniture warehouse being plastered inside. The Fire Brigade were very early at work, but before the flames were extinguished the following buildings were destroyed :—: — On the south side : The shops occupied by Dogherty, tobacconist, and Madame Lotti Wilmot. The shop occupied by Crocker, draper, prevented the flames extending further in this dirpction. On the North side the back premises of King's furniture warehouse were destroyed . The stock in Kind's and Crocker's shop and part of that in Hulbert's shop was removed in safety, as also was that in the shops destroyed, with the exception of the M learned pig." The origin of the fire is a mystery. All the shops destroyed were the property of Mr. E. H. Brown, of Nelson. Three hours elapsed before the fire was completely extinguished. The insurance on the fires are as follows — Building 1 , occupied by King, which was completely gutted, £500, Standard; King's stock of furniture, £1,000, Standard ; both these policies expire to-day. Two billiardtables and furniture belonging to Mr. Tribe, were destroyed in a room over King's shop, £400, Transatlantic. The policy expires on the 9th September. Mr. Dogherty, tobacconist, lost £50, and is not insured. Mrs. A. E. Thompson, the armless lady, who was proprietress of the learned pig, estimates her loss, including the pig, at £500, and is not insured. King's and Humbert's stocks were much damaged by removal.