DESTRUCTION OF ST MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL. WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIII, 3 December 1898, Page 722

DESTRUCTION OF ST MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL. WELLINGTON.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cathedral was practically destroyed by fire on Monday morning. For some weeks past workmen have been engaged painting and repairing the Cathedral, which was a woodeu building 40 years old, occupying a prominent site in Hill-street, where it could be seen from all parts of the town. On Monday men were engaged burning off old paint on the tower, and the tlame from a lamp got through a knot hole and ignited the timber inside a hollow buttress. L T p this it ran like a lift, and in a short time the whole tower was ablaze. The fire was first noticed about 8.45 a.m. There was a strong head of water on, but pressure was

reduced from 160 to about 140 owing to the height of the site. Six hoses were brought into use, and, as the tower stood on the eastern end, towards whieh a strong south-easter was blowing, there seemed good hope of saving the main body of the church; but bit by bit the tower fell in, and, just an hour from the start, was all down. It was then seen that the fierce heat had set the roof alight, and, creeping along under the slates, had traversed the whole length of the building, and. at the same moment as the tower disappeared, burnt through the western window and enveloped the organ loft.

The insurance on the contents has not transpired. The vestments and sacramental service were saved. The organ could" have been saved, but efforts were made in this direction too late, the doors having been closed by the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade. It is now supposed that the fire may have been caused by the

painter rubbing off the old paint, resulting in the ignition of the building. The church was totally destroyed. The value of the Cathedral is said to be about £5,000. The presbytery narrowly escaped destruction. It was saved by volunteers with the aid of wet blankets. The New Zealand Company’s risk is covered to the extent of £ 500 in the Royal.