FIRE IN DUNEDIN,

Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1479, 18 June 1879, Page 2

FIRE IN DUNEDIN,

ADDITIONAL PAJRTICULAR3.

[By Telegbaph.] Dunedin, June 17. The main portion of the Dnnedin Athenajum building nnd p-irt of the Library were destroyed by lire ntan early hour this morning. Arentrunce to the building having beeu effected by Lieutenunt Carmalt, of the Fire Brigade, he saved tho Ladies' Volunteer Challenge Shield, which has been kepi m the institution. A few minutes later, the Brigado arrived and four jete of water wero turned on. Tho roof fell iv, and ifc wai thought that all tho books must have been destroyed by either firo or waler. An examination of the premises to-day, however, thows that although the library and the reading-room are a complete wreck, the reference library, the ladies' room, and tho new portion of the library, where the more valuable book* were kept, are wholly uninjured. Tlie principal dnmug-' has been done to novels, periodicals and newspapers, nnd the librarian's books have been destroyed. The last person m tho building, last night, wns George Marlin, the actingassistant librariin, and ho Btatcs that on leaving the premises at five minutes after ten o'clock ho raked out the firo just behind the libr-.rian's desk, leaving a few live embers burning. Tliere can be but little doubt that it wa< hero the fire originated, it having burned about eighteen inches from the fender and then travelled along the floor about three feet, till it gov. hold of some loose books near the librarian's desk. The only injury done to the lower part of tho building was by water, nnd this is but slight. The Athenamm building and books were insured m r.he New Zea land Insurance Office for £3000; but it is claimed that only £2000 was on the portion destroyed. We hear that; Ihe insurance representatives intend disposing of the 6alvnge Btoek by auction Bhortly. Mr Hay, ) icture dealer, who occupies a shop m the front portion of the building, loses £77 through damage done by water. He was insured for £300 m tho National office. It will probably be three months before the Athenmum can be opened ogiin. Meantime, ifc is proposed to obtain the u?e of the books m possession of the Education Board for a publio library.