Serious Fire at Lismore.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3, 19 January 1905, Page 30

Serious Fire at Lismore.

The destruction by fire of St. Carfchjage's Pro-Cath-edral and St. Mary's Convent, Lismoro, on Jajuiary 2 was (Says the ' Freeman's Journal ') a calamity which must be a great blow to the diocese and its xenexable Bishop, Hjgh i Key. Dr. Doyle, 'lhe fire originated in a cottage close to the convent. Owing to the fact that tie cottage was not easily seem because of a high fence I/he flames got a strong hold of the structure before they were olxscuvui ; in fact, H was too late to prevent the spread of the lire lo the com out when it was discovered, 'lhe mass of flame that enveloped the cottage swept over the- convent adjoining. This was a two-stiorcy wooden structure which, under the influence of tJic hot wind, was very inflammable. Soon the Cathedral, ah>o a woolen building, caught and the flames worked the destructuto of all In half an hour. The fire brigade was so delayed in obtaining water that their efforts were rendered useless. Furniture, vestment^, two pianos and sacred vessels irom the Cathedral were removed to St. Mary's College. The organ, which cost £350, had to be abandoned when partly moved. The Bishop's residence was saved, as it was to windward of the burning buildings. The foundations of ttie new Cathedral in course of construction suffered considerable damage. A number of citizens quickly gathered and rendered assistance to save, the property. Several workers, including some members of the fire brigade, were overcome by the heat, which was st> severe that It broke a glass thermometer in the Bishop's residence. His Lordship Bishop Toyle, who had only just returned from Sydney in bald health, was much affected by the calamity. St. Mary's Convent contained forty large rooms'. The temperature at ttie time was 112 decrees in the shade, and a str.ong hot westerly wind was blowing. The loss is estimated at £8000. Four thous.nl pounds is covered by insurance in the City Mutual Fire Company. Bishop Doyle's residence had a narrow escape ivit the property was saved, thanks to the strenuous efforts of willing workers. The residence of Mr. Thomas Borton, which is situated about two chains from the ProCathedral, was afire several times, but was saved at last. Amiongst the property lost was the magnificent belfry. There was no loss of life, but one of the Sisters at the convent had a narrow escape. Most of the people of the town were away at the seaside/, but hundreds gathered at the scene. The convent was one of the best equipped in the State. Deep sympathy is expressed for Catholics, who only recently lost the Coraki Convent Church by lire. His Eminence Cardinal MoraJi, on hearing the news of the hre, despatched a telegram of sympathy pnl support to his Lordslhip Dr. Doyle. The Cardinal laid the foundation stove of the new Cathedral at Lismore some ten or twelve years ago.