FIRE IN TARANAKI STREET.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3102, 19 January 1871, Page 2

FIRE IN TARANAKI STREET.

«• One more fire, and the cry of "No water." About 2.30 this morning the grocery store and shoemakers shop of Mr A. Levy, and the book store of M r Fraser, in Taranaki street,\vere entirely consumed with almost everything the places contained, including household furniture, as both places were used as residences. The alarm was given before the breaking out of the flames, and though the Wellington Fire Brigade engine was on the ground in a few minutes, the fire was raging with such fierceness, andthe heat so great, that it was almost impossible to pass through the street, and before auy water could be brought to bear both houses were gone too far to save. It was painful to witness the desperate exertions of the firemen in their hunt aftor water in gardens and back yards ; and it was fully half-an-hour before a small supply was obtained from Mr Martin's paddock. A few minutes longer without water, and the house opposite would also have gone. As it was, it had a narrow escape, and was very much scorched. Both places belonged to Mr Levy, and the grocery store was insured in the Imperial for £300, but the stock was uninsured. So far as we could learn, no insurance was effected on either house or stock of Mr Fraser. We trustthat many more such warnings will not be required to show the necessity that exists for a supply of water. It was a pity to see the exertions of our firemen, who were on the spot with remarkable rapidity, rendered almost use-, less. A slight breeze from the south- f cost was blowing, but it fortunately died away, or no doubt the flames would have soon extended as far as the Panama Hotel. The fire has been a serious blow to two worthy citizens ln a small way of business. Mr Frazer's books, we understand, were saved and taken across the street with a few other things, and were there bnrned. s ,