FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2607, 15 September 1909, Page 4

FIRE.

ANOTHER OUTBREAK IN GLADSTONE ROAD. An alarm of fire was sounded from the Victoria firebell at five minutes past one o’clock this morning, and it was ascertained that the outbreak was in the rear portion of ,the premises in Gladstone Road adjoining the vacant section at the corner of Derby Street, and adjacent to the Salvation Army Citadel. Smoke was observed issuing from the roof by the Borough lamplighter, Mr. J. Morgan, and he and Mr. W. Fraser, nightwatc'hman, sounded the alarm. Tho Fire Brigade turned out smartly under Superintendent Townley, and after a few moments’ delay in locating a fire plug they got a single lead of hose, with a powerful supplv of water, to work on the flames, which were quickly subdued. The building is owned by Mr t William Sandlant, and is occupied by a number of Chinamen carrying on business as laundrymen, the title of the fiim being On Lee and Co. Comparatively little damage was done, tho entire absence of any wind militating against the rapid spread of the flames. Had there been a breeze blowing there is no doubt the whole building, which is a very old one, must have been destroyed, as. when the Brigade 'arrived the flames had a very strong hold of the back wall and were bursting through the roof of the kitchen.

'i'he occupants of the building were in bed ■when the fire broke out, and were only aroused shortly before the arrival of the Brigade, i'he fire apparently originated behind a range in the kitchen. where the flooring has been charred in one spot, and as no fire was alight in the range, it is surmised that a saucepan or some utensil carrying a live ember underneath must have been placed on the floor behind the range some time previously in the place where they were usually kept. It is understood that the damage .is covered by insurance.