SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VIII, Issue 2039, 8 May 1875, Page 3

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(fboii oue own cohbespondent.)

AucKiiND, Friday, 5.40 p.m.

The fire in Chapel-street destroyed tlio block, consisting of two wooden buildings, six-roomed two-storied bouses, near the harbour.lt broke out in tho roof at 10 o'clock., It was first seen by two residents opposite. The flames soon gathered strength, and no water being handy, the efforts were confined to the saving of furniture and valuables. Good time was afforded for this, owing to tho fire I taking the upper story part first. Tho fire brigade arrived about ten [minutes after the alarm, but were not able to do much good. It took so long.'•to''get water from Thornton, jPmitb, and ' Firth's supply (hat both houses and some outhouses at the back ' were entirely consumed. At one time it looked very threatening for tho houses On the west side, and for the house of Mr 0. O.Davis, on tho south side. A strong north-east wind was blowing, and carried .the sparks far and near. The house occupied by Mr Dent, opposite, caught fire twice, but was detected at once, and put out. Hawkeswood's foundry men rendered good service, The block belonged to Mr Asher, draper, lato Superintendent of. tho Piro Brigade. It was insured for £400 in tho Norwich Union. Mr Lawrence, who occupied tho larger portion of the premises, had his furniture insured for £200 in the same offico. Craw, the other occupier was uninsured. It is a curious circumstance that three months ago a deliberate attempt was made to fire Mr Craw's house. Mrs Craw found a window near the balcony broken, and a heap of sparks just inside. Many state that the fire was the work of an incendiary, but without reference to the nature of the outbreak, which points to it being accidental—perhaps from sparks from tho chimney falling on the shingles. —The ship signalled turned out to bo the 'W. W. Fmith,' from Lyttelton. The 1 Peerless,' from Dunedin, arrived at tho same time; both made good runs.— Darrach's latest production, a brigantine, for Owens and McLcod, came in last night. She is a very handsome, usefullooking craft of 160 tons.—The' Sir Isaac Newton,' a brigantine, coming from Napier had rough weather, and lost MO out of 170 sheep.—McConochie, working for Welsh and McCabe, contractors for widening the breakwater, fell from the top to tho bottom at, Fort Britomart yesterday. He was only bruised.Handicaps issued to-day: — Birthday Handicap: Parawhcnua, 9st 81b; Y atterina, Sat 121b; Maori Weed, Bst 21b ; Ngaro, Bst 21b; Elfin King, Bst; The Belle, 7st 101b; Bedouin, 7st 81b; Shylark, 7st 'lib; Belle of tho Isle, 7st. Hurdle Eace: Islesman, list 71b; Shamrock, list; Kate, 10st 121b; Arrow, lOst 101b; Moose, lOst 21bs; Middy Ashore, lOst; Don J.uan, 9st Olbs. —It is just discovered that £3,000 on account of the - sum voted; by the Assembly to the Pumping Association .has been paid into the Provincial account, and cannot be paid oyer without a special Appropriation Act. It is supposed to be the result of spleen on the part of a certain Minister. —In the first match of the Kifle Association firing, which took place this morning, 19 Captain Morrow won tho first prize, with 51 points; Hay second, 48. Fivo shots at 200,400, and 500 yards. Morrow made five bull's eyes at 400 yards. The second match eventuates fiext Wednesday.—A conference of ministers and office-bearers of the various churches was held last night, to consider the best means of promotinga religious revival in Auckland. Dr Maunsell occupied the chair. It was resolved to hold a prayor meeting, next Wednesday evening, and to give prominence to the subject next Sunday in the service.