FIRE IN TUAM STREET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3490, 18 June 1879, Page 3

FIRE IN TUAM STREET.

A few minutes after seven o'clock yesterday evening, tho house occupied by Mr William Hoskin», situated in Tiiam street East, was seen to bo on fire by a Mrs Carter, who resides in a house on tho other sido of tho street, and who was just crossing to visit Mrs Hoskins. She at onco gave the alarm, and Mrs Hoskins, whowas suffering from indisposition, and was ljing down in her bedroom, was removed to the house of a friend. Mr Hoßbins was at the time at the Theatre, and a little boy, who also resides in the house, had just gone to Mrs Carter's. The lad Btates that when ho left there was no sign of fire in the kitchen, whero the fkmes were first noticed. The fire bells were immediately rung, and the hand-engine was brought into use with most praiseworthy promptness, a supply of water being obtained from tho sido channel. The firemen directed their efforts to preventing the fire ' communicating itself to a small outbuilding to tho eastward, in which direction the (lames were being driven by tho wind. But for the ODergy displayed, the large dwelling-house so well known ns the residence of the late Mr M. B. Hart, would have been in great danger. Following close upon the hand* engine, the Hook and Ladder Company arrived, and mounted to the roof of tho cottage closely adjoining on the west side, using wet blankets and buckets of water to prevent its ignition. In their efforts they were happily successful, By this time a stream of water from one of the steam fire engines placed at the tank near. Wilson and Sawtell's had been brought to play upon the burning house, and- in a few minutes it was evident that the fire had done its worst. An immense crowd collected inTuam street, and the fire and regular police had some difficulty in' keeping a clear space in front of the burning house. The furniture.of the house and other contents, which included presentation plate of considerable value, the extensive ' professional wardrobes of Mr and Mrs Hos*

kins, jewellery, books, and manuscripts, were for the most part saved, but many of them are damaged, Mr Hoskins estimates their value at over £2000. They were insured in the New Zealand Insurance Office for £^00. The house, which contained five rooms and was the property of Mr Colletfc, builder, was insured in the same office for £300. - ; ■ j