Fire In Taonui-Street.

Manawatu Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 142, 26 November 1884, Page 3

Fire In Taonui-Street.

Early this morning an old struc ture in Taonui-street formerly used as a brewery was found to be on fire. The alarm was given, and a few members of the fire-brigade and others put in an appearance at the scene. The old wood-work burnt furiously, and but for the prompt exertions of those present nothing could have stayed the progress of the flames from spreading to the adjacent buildings. The building was found to be on fire at one end, and it was seen that all that could be done to prevent the adjacent buildings igniting, was to cut the burning building in two, and haul round the portion not in flames. This was done by the exertions of those present, and thus the risk of extension of the fire was averted. Among those who exerted themselves to the utmost in preventing the further spread of the fire was Constable Manning, who worked with a will assisted by a few others who followed his example. The origin of the fire is involved in mystery. The ancient and dilapidated old building had not been occupied for a long time past, but it is believed had been used as a rendezvous by a number of tramps, who had probably resorted to it as a climate shelter. There was a quantity of straw at the further end, near the fire place, which was where the flames first burst forth, and it is probable some carelessness with fire or matches on the part of the unauthorised inmates has lead to its destruction. The building itself was no ornament to the locality, but rather the reverse, and its destruction would not have been matter for regret but for the proximity of other adjacent buildings, which, but for the timely aid so promptly brought to bear would have been inevitably reduced so ashes. In close proximity were a small tenement occupied by Messrs Nathan, and also a store room and dwelling occupied by Mr Lyon's family, all of which together with other adjacent buildings must have been destroyed had the progress of the fire not been averted. The few members of the fire-brigade present did not seem to have come prepared with the appliances generally taken to the scene of a fire, and in fact the alarm did not appear to have been communicated beyond the immediate locality. The fire-bell also requires adjustment, as it is difficult to ring, and when rung its alarm is not heard at any distance unless the wind is favourable. The few who worked so zealously to prevent the fire spreading are entitled to all credit for their willingly rendered services on that behalf.