BURNING OF THE S.S. ALERT.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1326, 30 December 1880, Page 2

BURNING OF THE S.S. ALERT.

A fire occurred on board the little steamer " Alert " on Monday, atNgaruawahia which did very considerable damage. The steamer came down the Waipa, from Whatawhata, on that morning, having on board a number of visitors to the races at Ngaruawahia. She was moored on arrival, near the racecourse, and all hands, with the exception of the engineer adjourned to the course. This was some time after noon, and between one and 2 o'clock, the engineer thinking all safe also left the boat to see the sport. Sometime after this smoke was seen by several persons to arise from the spot where the steamer lay, but thinking some one had made a fire of fern, no notice was taken of the circumstance. About 5 o'clock the. crew of the steamer on gaining the spot where she had been left found her completely gutted, the fire by this time having run its course, burning all the wood in the vessel. The cause can only be conjecture ; the engineer supposes that the high wind prevailing all day blew some of the sparks about which falling upon some inflammable matter communicated the fire in that way. The damage done amounts to over £100. The *♦ Alert " is owned by Mr Dene of Pokeno, and so far it is not known whether she was insured or not.

A Mrs. Oliver, of Ararat, gave birth t a child in the train whilst travelling to Ballarat. Having been born whilst going at the rate of 35 milea an hour, the youngster may be expected to make the pace very warm in after life.