The Lyttelton Times 16 November 1866
DISASTROUS FIRE.
At a quarter-past one on Tuesday morning,
the 5th inst,, a fire broke out in Colombo street, in the premises
occupied by Mr. G. H. Roach, tobacconist, contiguous to the
brick building known as Colombo House. Before the alarm was given the
fire had taken such hold of the adjoining buildings that it was at once
apparent that the block comprising the buildings up to Armagh street,
and including Mr. Tre'eaven's flour store, and the Golden Fleece Hotel
were doomed beyond hope of any action on the part of the Fire Brigade.
Behind the buildings which we have named, and extending for a considerable distance were ranges of stables and other outbuildings which were very soon on fire.
Behind the buildings which we have named, and extending for a considerable distance were ranges of stables and other outbuildings which were very soon on fire.
It was about twenty minutes after the alarm was given before the Fire
Brigade showed in any force, and at least twenty minutes more before an
engine was on the ground. By this time it was evident that nothing could
be done beyond saving those buildings which lay to the south of Cookham
House, and preventing the fire from spreading to the other side of the
street, which, at one time seemed very likely, from the fierceness with
which it raged, and the direction which it was dreaded the wind might
take.
It was thought, at one time, that Cookham House might be saved, and if a timely supply of water had been at hand, such might have been the case. As soon as the Fire Brigade had got their engines into proper working order they directed their efforts chiefly to prevent the further spread of the fire, it being evident that it was impossible to save those buildings on which it had already taken hold. In a very short time the whole of the block as far as Armagh street was hopelessly under the mastery of the flames, and the Golden Fleece burned so rapidly as to leave the inmates but scant time to save themselves. By this time a large crowd had collected in the street, and the work of removing all that could be readily come at from the buildings threatened was carried on by willing hands with astonishing alacrity. The fire having been reduced within a certain limit, and the attention of the brigade concentrated, it was found that the chief danger to be apprehended arose from a store to the rear of and in connection with Cookham House, which burned fiercely and long, and threatened to carry the fire to a range of stabling and other outbuildings in close proximity. At the height of the fire, and while the front part of the buildings we have already mentioned were burning fiercely, it was feared that Mr. Alport's store, the premises of Messrs. Cook and Ross, and those of Mr. Leake, the former on the opposite side of Armagh-street to the Golden Fleece and the latter on the south side of Colombo-street, would catch fire, and the attention of the Fire Brigade was directed to these buildings in time to save them.
It was thought, at one time, that Cookham House might be saved, and if a timely supply of water had been at hand, such might have been the case. As soon as the Fire Brigade had got their engines into proper working order they directed their efforts chiefly to prevent the further spread of the fire, it being evident that it was impossible to save those buildings on which it had already taken hold. In a very short time the whole of the block as far as Armagh street was hopelessly under the mastery of the flames, and the Golden Fleece burned so rapidly as to leave the inmates but scant time to save themselves. By this time a large crowd had collected in the street, and the work of removing all that could be readily come at from the buildings threatened was carried on by willing hands with astonishing alacrity. The fire having been reduced within a certain limit, and the attention of the brigade concentrated, it was found that the chief danger to be apprehended arose from a store to the rear of and in connection with Cookham House, which burned fiercely and long, and threatened to carry the fire to a range of stabling and other outbuildings in close proximity. At the height of the fire, and while the front part of the buildings we have already mentioned were burning fiercely, it was feared that Mr. Alport's store, the premises of Messrs. Cook and Ross, and those of Mr. Leake, the former on the opposite side of Armagh-street to the Golden Fleece and the latter on the south side of Colombo-street, would catch fire, and the attention of the Fire Brigade was directed to these buildings in time to save them.
The necessarily hurried and unavoidably
incomplete report of the fire furnished above requires to be
supplemented and corrected by the fuller information we have since
obtained, and which, in the midst of the excitement created by a great
public danger, it was impossible to collect. The story of the fire is
substantially, and in its main features, such as we have already given,
but we are now in a position to estimate the loss more fully, and to add
somewhat to the narrative.
Although it may be impossible to
ascertain exactly where and how the fire originated, it is certain that
flames were first noticed at the rear of the premises occupied by Mr.
Roach, the tobacconist, and it is safe to assume that in the
billiard-room, attached to, and forming part of the premises, or very
near it, tlie fire began. The first alarm was given about a quarter-past
one, but by whom has not been very clearly made out, there being, as in
most cises of the sort, very conflicting statements with regard to this
point. It was reported that the fire-bell could not be found; and it
was assumed that in accordance with a resolution recently come to by the
City Council for supplying an alarm gong, that the bell had been
removed from its old place. From information which we have since
obtained, we believe this to be incorrect. The fire-bell was and is in
its old place, and was rung for a short time after the alarm was given.
The rope attached to it soon gave way, however, and the warning was
continued by the ringing of the bell in the yard belonging to the City
Council.
As already stated in the report given above, it was
about twenty minutes before the Fire Brigade mustered in any force, and
from fifteen to twenty minutes more before the engines were got to work.
By this time the block of buildings from Cookham House northward to
Armagh street, including Mr. Roach's shop, the stores of
Messrs.Treleaven, Hicks, and Baylee, and the Golden Fleece Hotel, which
were all built of wood, were so fully in the grasp of the fire as to be
past all efforts of the Fire Brigade, and for a time the most strenuous
efforts were directed to Cookham House, the property of Mr. George
Gould. Being a brick and slate building, it was hoped that the copious
supplies of water which the steam fire engine was throwing from the
river would yet save it. Such, however, was not the case, for the fire,
which had spread northward and eastward with astonishing rapidity,
seized on Cookham House with a fury which it was hopeless to strive
against, bo far as the safety of the building was concerned. The
attention of a portion of the brigade was then concentrated in order to
prevent the fire spreading further to the southward, whi'e another
portion directed a jet of water on the premises of Messrs. Cook and
Ross, Mr. Leake, and Mr. Mummery, on the opposite side of Colombo
street, and a third section devoted their attention to Mr. Alport's
premises, the scorched front of which shows how narrowly they escaped.
It was about this time that a few volunteers from the immense crowd
which had now assembled began to prepare for pulling down the
premises occupied by Mr. Lane, butcher, end which are separated from
Cnokham House by the store of Mr Jameson. which was in imminent danger
during the latter part of the fire. Had it not been for the narrow lane
dividing Mr. Jameson's store from Cookham House, and for the immense
quantities of water thrown on to the building, the fire must have spread
southward, and destroyel the whole block as far as, Gloucester
street, or to Mr. Gee's corner. So certain did the occupants of
the stores in this part of the street feel that the fire would reach
them, that they had made every preparation, by removing those article
which were the most easily lifted, or on whioh they set most value.
While the fire continued to rage fiercely there were not wanting
willing volunteers, who saved as much property from the burning
buildings as they could reach, often placing themselves in great danger.
A considerable portion of the goods were removed from Cookham
House; a few of Mr. Roach's light articles were taken safely out, and
from Mr. Treleaven's store a quantity of flour was carried. Messrs
Hicks and Baylee did not save much, nor was there time io get more than
a few things out of the Golden Fleece. The principal part of the goods
destroyed, and which belonged to Mr. Gould were in a large brick store
to the rear of and attached to Cookham House. Only a very few cases were
got out during the early part of the fire, and this building continued to send forth flames long after the main block was a mere heap of
smouldering ruins. In pouring a constant supply of water on the burning
mass inside this store and in directing a jet to the buildings close to it on the south side, the Fire Brigade prevented the further
spread of the fire.
It was reported at one time that a man had perished in the fearful blaze in which the Golden Fleece was so rapidly and so completely swallowed up. Such, we are happy to say, is not the case.. But this man had undoubtedly a very narrow escape. He had come into town from Leeston about 12 o'clock, having conveyed a friend thence to the hospital. After taking some refreshment, in the Golden Fleece he retired; he was shown to a bed in a room just over the door, and in the upper story of the house. Being very tired, he fell at once into a deep sleep and did not awake when called, or awoke so slightly as to be insensible of the great danger in which he was. It was not till he received a severe blow from a falling rafter that he became conscious of his position. Jumping up, he at once made for the window, from which he let himself down. He was caught in the arms of two or three policemen, the scanty clothing which he had on being on fire, wrapped carefully up in an overcoat, and conveyed to Mr, Alport's store. It may be truly said that he escaped with hardly a rag on his back.
We have mentioned that the premises of Messrs. Cook and Ross, chemists, and those adjoining were in imminent danger at one period, and saved only from a jet of water having been directed on them, at a critical moment. That such was the case, may be judged from the fact that in the fine plate glass front of Messrs. Cook and Ross' establishment there is not now one entire pane, The whole has been cracked by the sudden contact with water after the intense heat to which it was exposed, and now presents an appearance which bears a grotesque resemblance to a piece of Mosaic work, Another fact with regard to Messrs. Cook and Ross' establishment shows the very narrow escape it had. The stoppers in almost every one of the bottles in the front part of the building were found to have jumped out, while the heat inside was so intense at one time as to render it next to impossible for any one to remain long there. When daylight came and showed the extent of the damage which had been done, it showed also the more fearful calamity which had providentially been averted. The footpath on the western side of that portion .of Colombo street which extends from Gloucester to Armagh street was densely packed with a most heterogeneous mass of articles, which had been removed from the buildings on the opposite side.. Cookham House, although it may be said to be gutted, has stood ont bravely, and to its being built of brick must be attributed the success with which the gallant efforts of the Fire Brigade and those who assisted them were rewarded in stopping the southward progress of the fire. Fortunately there was little or no wind. It is worthy of record, however, that a sharp south-west gale, which suddenly sprung up between eleven and twelve o'clock, had been blowing with its usual violence not half an hour before the fire broke out. It died away as suddenly as it had arisen, and when the alarm was given, there was nothing more than a very gentle breeze from the west. While considering it our duty to record the fact that a certain space of time elapsed before the Fire Brigade mustered in force, and before the engines were got thoroughly to work, we deem it no less our duty to award them, collectively and individually, very high praise for the fearless energy with which they worked, and the successful efforts they made to prevent the fire from extending. For the credit as well as future usefulness of the brigade, it is necessary that we should state an impression which very strongly prevailed during the fire, and which was widely repeated afterwards by those who were eyewitnesses of the scene. It is that there was a want of united action, and an absence of some controlling power to direct their efforts. It seemed as if every man acted on his own judgment, and however praiseworthy the actual work done by the various sections into which the brigade resolved itself was, it must be evident to every one, that unity of action in these cases, no less than promptitude and judicious handling, are absolutely necessary if the Fire Brigade is to do that which we have every reason to believe it capable of. We do not say this in any spirit of faultfinding, but in the belief that we are doing a service alike to the Brigade and the public, as well as discharging a duty which it would be criminal to shrink from. Three excuses for the tardy muster of the brigade are very obvious. The alarm was not well given; the hour was one at which it is difficult to arouse men from sleep; and there have been numerous false alarms and useless musterings of late. The Volunteers mustered on the ground in very considerable numbers, and were under the direction of Colonel White. They did good service in keeping back the crowd, and leaving a clear space for the operations of the Fire Brigade. The police, under the orders of Commissioner Shearman and Inspector Pender werefound wherever there was work for them to do, and were most active, both as guardians of the property thrown loose on the streets, and as assistants to those who strove so manfully to save what could be saved. There was, however, one instance, in which the over-zeal of some members of the force prevented property to some considerable extent being saved. Anxious that no lives should be lost, the police interfered, and put a stop to the further removal of goods from Mr. Gould's store at the rear of Cookham House, and this, too, at a moment when no immediate danger was to be apprehended. It is invidious to single out any one from the general body of those who were all animated by the laudable desire to save property, and to aid as far as they could the work of the Fire Brigade. But one gentleman was so conspicuous that we should be wrong in refraining to name him. Mr L. G. Cole stood for nearly an hour on the roof of Mr. Jameson's store, directing and guiding the members of the Fire Brigade in using the large hose with good effect. We noticed also Mr. Tom Fawcett, of the Theatre Royal; working vigorously in removing goods from the burning stores.
Mr. Gould is the heaviest sufferer. Cookham House, which may be said to be entirely destroyed, was valued at £5000, and the merchandise in it and the store adjoining, taken merely at cost price and charges, was worth £22,000, making in all £27,000. Mr. Gould was insured to the extent of £14,000 in the following offices—Northern, £2500; New Zealand, £2500; Imperial, £2500; Liverpool and London, £2500 London and Lancashire, £2000; North British and Mercantile, £2000. Mr. Roach's stock and buildings were insured for £500 and £700 respectively in the London and Lancashire. Messrs. Hicks and Baylee's stock was insured for £750 in the Royal. Mr. Treleaven's stock, the estimated value of which was from £600 to £700, was uninsured, as was also the store. Mr. Campion's stock was insured for £400 in the Victoria; and the building for £1,300 in the Liverpool, London, and Globe. He estimates his loss at £1000. Mr Jameson, whose store escaped, estimates his loss in goods at £300. Mr. Lane's shop, which is considerably damaged, is insured in the North British and Mercantile. To these must he added the loss sustained by Messrs. Cook and Ross, Altogether the total loss may be set down at about £35,000.
It was reported at one time that a man had perished in the fearful blaze in which the Golden Fleece was so rapidly and so completely swallowed up. Such, we are happy to say, is not the case.. But this man had undoubtedly a very narrow escape. He had come into town from Leeston about 12 o'clock, having conveyed a friend thence to the hospital. After taking some refreshment, in the Golden Fleece he retired; he was shown to a bed in a room just over the door, and in the upper story of the house. Being very tired, he fell at once into a deep sleep and did not awake when called, or awoke so slightly as to be insensible of the great danger in which he was. It was not till he received a severe blow from a falling rafter that he became conscious of his position. Jumping up, he at once made for the window, from which he let himself down. He was caught in the arms of two or three policemen, the scanty clothing which he had on being on fire, wrapped carefully up in an overcoat, and conveyed to Mr, Alport's store. It may be truly said that he escaped with hardly a rag on his back.
We have mentioned that the premises of Messrs. Cook and Ross, chemists, and those adjoining were in imminent danger at one period, and saved only from a jet of water having been directed on them, at a critical moment. That such was the case, may be judged from the fact that in the fine plate glass front of Messrs. Cook and Ross' establishment there is not now one entire pane, The whole has been cracked by the sudden contact with water after the intense heat to which it was exposed, and now presents an appearance which bears a grotesque resemblance to a piece of Mosaic work, Another fact with regard to Messrs. Cook and Ross' establishment shows the very narrow escape it had. The stoppers in almost every one of the bottles in the front part of the building were found to have jumped out, while the heat inside was so intense at one time as to render it next to impossible for any one to remain long there. When daylight came and showed the extent of the damage which had been done, it showed also the more fearful calamity which had providentially been averted. The footpath on the western side of that portion .of Colombo street which extends from Gloucester to Armagh street was densely packed with a most heterogeneous mass of articles, which had been removed from the buildings on the opposite side.. Cookham House, although it may be said to be gutted, has stood ont bravely, and to its being built of brick must be attributed the success with which the gallant efforts of the Fire Brigade and those who assisted them were rewarded in stopping the southward progress of the fire. Fortunately there was little or no wind. It is worthy of record, however, that a sharp south-west gale, which suddenly sprung up between eleven and twelve o'clock, had been blowing with its usual violence not half an hour before the fire broke out. It died away as suddenly as it had arisen, and when the alarm was given, there was nothing more than a very gentle breeze from the west. While considering it our duty to record the fact that a certain space of time elapsed before the Fire Brigade mustered in force, and before the engines were got thoroughly to work, we deem it no less our duty to award them, collectively and individually, very high praise for the fearless energy with which they worked, and the successful efforts they made to prevent the fire from extending. For the credit as well as future usefulness of the brigade, it is necessary that we should state an impression which very strongly prevailed during the fire, and which was widely repeated afterwards by those who were eyewitnesses of the scene. It is that there was a want of united action, and an absence of some controlling power to direct their efforts. It seemed as if every man acted on his own judgment, and however praiseworthy the actual work done by the various sections into which the brigade resolved itself was, it must be evident to every one, that unity of action in these cases, no less than promptitude and judicious handling, are absolutely necessary if the Fire Brigade is to do that which we have every reason to believe it capable of. We do not say this in any spirit of faultfinding, but in the belief that we are doing a service alike to the Brigade and the public, as well as discharging a duty which it would be criminal to shrink from. Three excuses for the tardy muster of the brigade are very obvious. The alarm was not well given; the hour was one at which it is difficult to arouse men from sleep; and there have been numerous false alarms and useless musterings of late. The Volunteers mustered on the ground in very considerable numbers, and were under the direction of Colonel White. They did good service in keeping back the crowd, and leaving a clear space for the operations of the Fire Brigade. The police, under the orders of Commissioner Shearman and Inspector Pender werefound wherever there was work for them to do, and were most active, both as guardians of the property thrown loose on the streets, and as assistants to those who strove so manfully to save what could be saved. There was, however, one instance, in which the over-zeal of some members of the force prevented property to some considerable extent being saved. Anxious that no lives should be lost, the police interfered, and put a stop to the further removal of goods from Mr. Gould's store at the rear of Cookham House, and this, too, at a moment when no immediate danger was to be apprehended. It is invidious to single out any one from the general body of those who were all animated by the laudable desire to save property, and to aid as far as they could the work of the Fire Brigade. But one gentleman was so conspicuous that we should be wrong in refraining to name him. Mr L. G. Cole stood for nearly an hour on the roof of Mr. Jameson's store, directing and guiding the members of the Fire Brigade in using the large hose with good effect. We noticed also Mr. Tom Fawcett, of the Theatre Royal; working vigorously in removing goods from the burning stores.
Mr. Gould is the heaviest sufferer. Cookham House, which may be said to be entirely destroyed, was valued at £5000, and the merchandise in it and the store adjoining, taken merely at cost price and charges, was worth £22,000, making in all £27,000. Mr. Gould was insured to the extent of £14,000 in the following offices—Northern, £2500; New Zealand, £2500; Imperial, £2500; Liverpool and London, £2500 London and Lancashire, £2000; North British and Mercantile, £2000. Mr. Roach's stock and buildings were insured for £500 and £700 respectively in the London and Lancashire. Messrs. Hicks and Baylee's stock was insured for £750 in the Royal. Mr. Treleaven's stock, the estimated value of which was from £600 to £700, was uninsured, as was also the store. Mr. Campion's stock was insured for £400 in the Victoria; and the building for £1,300 in the Liverpool, London, and Globe. He estimates his loss at £1000. Mr Jameson, whose store escaped, estimates his loss in goods at £300. Mr. Lane's shop, which is considerably damaged, is insured in the North British and Mercantile. To these must he added the loss sustained by Messrs. Cook and Ross, Altogether the total loss may be set down at about £35,000.
Before concluding, we feel it incumbent on us to draw the attention of
the City Council to the very urgent necessity which exists for a Municipal Building Ordinance. It seems the very height of reckless folly to
have neglected this importaint matter so long. In a town built almost
entirely of wood, it is surely necessary to make some provision for a
danger which is hourly threatening us, and to take some precaution for
the preservation of life and property. Our streets, which are not one
inch too wide, are allowed to be made practically some ten or twenty
feet narrower by the practice which has become so common of erecting
venndahs in front of the stores, the framewoik of which, in the
majority of instances, is composed entirely of wood. Bakehouses,
ovens, and furnaces are erected in close proximity to wooden buildings
of the most fragile character, and without the slightest attempt at
supervision. We could point to instances in which heaps of dry litter, loose hay and straw, and other readily ignited materials are
lying close to places where a fire is a thing to be looked for at any
moment.
If the members of the City Council will take the trouble to go round the principal streets of the town, and merely glance into the back premises of only a few of the houses, they will easily discover all that we have mentioned, and a great deal more. We advise them to pay a visit to the Triangle, as being the most thickly populated part of the town, feeling certain that they will be speedily convinced, of the absolute necessity for some such measure as we have indicated. The public, we feel sure, wil| not rest satisfied till a Building Ordinance has been passed. The Provincial Council is in session, and the Government, will, we are confident, lend their aid in passing a bill, the provisions of which, if properly enforced, will do much to render life and property more secure.
An inquiry into the origin of
the fire was held on the 8th inst., at the Clarendon Hotel.
Dr. Coward, the coroner of the district, conducted the inquiry, Mr. Stringer being foreman of the jury. Messrs. Harper and Garrick attended to watch the proceedings on behalf of the different Insurance offices.
The following evidence was adduced:-
G. H, Roach: I am a tobacconist, residing in Christchurch. I left my premises, in Colombo street, at 10.30 on Monday night last. There was no one there at that hour. I had not been upstairs at that time. I left the house in company with a young man named Pearce. No one but us were in the house. I believe that the house was then quite safe. There were no candles or lighted fires on the premises, and the gas was turned off. I left the building, and went to Mr. Campion's, at the corner of the street, about 10,45, as nearly as possible. I had a glass of ale at Mr. Campion's; Pearce and I left the bar in company. We went in the direction of the theatre. Pearce then left me. I went to the theatre, and from thence into the Criterion Hotel, in company with a friend named Tucker. At the close of the performance at the theatre, I left. It was then nearly 20 minutes to 12. I went to the City Hotel, to see a friend there. I went subsequently to Mr. Campion's, where I was lodging. This was nearly 12 p.m. In the room where I was sleeping, there was a young man named Flynn. We had some conversation together. I went to bed. About 12 p.m. I fell asleep. I was awakened by Mr. Campion, who came into the room. He said "Roach, you are ruined." Campion then left the room. Flynn ran out, and returned saying, "The whole place is on fire!" A candle was lighted, and I dressed as soon as I could, and ran down stairs. I saw the shop and billiard-room rented by me on fire. I ran back to my bedroom at the hotel. I opened the door of the shop, to which I had returned, and found the whole place in flames. I succeeded in rescuing a glass case; some persons aided me. The flames were then so high that I was obliged to leave the shop. I heard some one say "Go and fetch a ladder." I went to Mr. Baylee, who resides in Kilmore street, and who has a shop next to that of Mr. Treleaven. I awoke him, and we returned to the premises. Mr. Baylee and another person returned with me. There was then no fire at his store, but I believe that the flames were then overhead. We removed some goods. I believe that Campion's premises were cleared of the wines and spirits. By this time the flames had spread to Armagh street. I tried to get at my boxes at Campion's, but was advised to desist, as the place was then on fire. The flames were then opposite to Mr, Alport's store. I did not go to the bedroom I went to Mr. Oram's, the Market-place Hotel, and went to bed for about two hours. Cross-examined by Mr. Garrick: I did not go to bed on that night earlier than usual.
Dr. Coward, the coroner of the district, conducted the inquiry, Mr. Stringer being foreman of the jury. Messrs. Harper and Garrick attended to watch the proceedings on behalf of the different Insurance offices.
The following evidence was adduced:-
G. H, Roach: I am a tobacconist, residing in Christchurch. I left my premises, in Colombo street, at 10.30 on Monday night last. There was no one there at that hour. I had not been upstairs at that time. I left the house in company with a young man named Pearce. No one but us were in the house. I believe that the house was then quite safe. There were no candles or lighted fires on the premises, and the gas was turned off. I left the building, and went to Mr. Campion's, at the corner of the street, about 10,45, as nearly as possible. I had a glass of ale at Mr. Campion's; Pearce and I left the bar in company. We went in the direction of the theatre. Pearce then left me. I went to the theatre, and from thence into the Criterion Hotel, in company with a friend named Tucker. At the close of the performance at the theatre, I left. It was then nearly 20 minutes to 12. I went to the City Hotel, to see a friend there. I went subsequently to Mr. Campion's, where I was lodging. This was nearly 12 p.m. In the room where I was sleeping, there was a young man named Flynn. We had some conversation together. I went to bed. About 12 p.m. I fell asleep. I was awakened by Mr. Campion, who came into the room. He said "Roach, you are ruined." Campion then left the room. Flynn ran out, and returned saying, "The whole place is on fire!" A candle was lighted, and I dressed as soon as I could, and ran down stairs. I saw the shop and billiard-room rented by me on fire. I ran back to my bedroom at the hotel. I opened the door of the shop, to which I had returned, and found the whole place in flames. I succeeded in rescuing a glass case; some persons aided me. The flames were then so high that I was obliged to leave the shop. I heard some one say "Go and fetch a ladder." I went to Mr. Baylee, who resides in Kilmore street, and who has a shop next to that of Mr. Treleaven. I awoke him, and we returned to the premises. Mr. Baylee and another person returned with me. There was then no fire at his store, but I believe that the flames were then overhead. We removed some goods. I believe that Campion's premises were cleared of the wines and spirits. By this time the flames had spread to Armagh street. I tried to get at my boxes at Campion's, but was advised to desist, as the place was then on fire. The flames were then opposite to Mr, Alport's store. I did not go to the bedroom I went to Mr. Oram's, the Market-place Hotel, and went to bed for about two hours. Cross-examined by Mr. Garrick: I did not go to bed on that night earlier than usual.
In August last I increased my insurance to the extent of about £100. I
had then made some additions to my stock. I had also added a
billiard-room, and some other rooms. I have been in the province for two
years and a half. My uncle, F. Roach, started me in business. I had £50
in cash belonging to me. F. Roach supplied stock to the amount of £500,
for which I gave him bills, which have been paid. I believe that my
liabilities amount to £250.
My stock at the time of the fire
was about £750, invoice price. I have been very successful in raffles,
having won a horse, and also some valuable articles. I sold the horse for £42; the other articles I made a profit by. I was doing a very
fair business! I kept a stock-book, which has been lost in the fire. I
thought that the stock-book was in my drawer; but in looking (or if I
could not find it. I only found a ledger and a cheque-book. I lately
removed my goods, taking some to Mr. Campion's, and some to Mr. Hick's
store, to avoid them from being distrained upon. I also took some
tobacco, cigars, and some furniture to Mr. Brice's premises. All the
goods at Mr. Brice's were seized by the bailiffs, and taken to Mr.
Alport's. The goods were afterwards released and given to me. Niemann,
the carrier, brought them back to me. Within the last two months I have
bought goods from Mr. Simpson, to the amount of £300. I have also bought
a few more articles from some parties in Christchurch, and also in Dunedin.
When I went to Kilmore street to call Mr. Baylee, the shop was in
flames. I could save nothing. I have lost all my clothes, and so has the
young man who served in the shop. By Inspector Pender: The
billiard-room at the back of my shop was a good sized one; it
was lined with netting. The gas was turned off when I left. Several
gentlemen were in the room on the evening. Some were smoking. I never
left the bedroom at the Golden Fleece until Campion called me. The
first part,of my-premises which I saw on fire was the
billiard-room. I was not smoking myself. I believe that Mr. Needham was
the last to leave my shop. I was then serving two customers with
tobacco. I went into the billiard-room after the others had left.
By Mr. Harper: The whole premises were lighted by gas; there, were no candles burnng. Pearce was with me when I put out the gas. By Mr. Garrick: I made out the claim for £5897s sd, which I,
submitted to the Insurance Companies, from information I obtained from
the persons with whom I dealt. I have no documents to account for the
exact figures. I cannot account for the odd shillings or pence. I shall
be a loser by the fire. By the Jury: No one could have obtained access to
the billiard-room after I had left.
Edward Needham: I am a teacher of writing. I live at Sydenham House, Colombo street. On Monday night I was retuming home from Armagh street. I called in at Roach's, and went into the billiard-room. This was about 11 p.m. I remained there about twenty minutes. Roach told me that he was going to see a friend. I saw him put up some of the shutters. I was smoking whilst I was on the premises. I left about 11.20 p.m. I did not see him put out the lights. The billiard-room was lighted up when I left. Several persons were smoking and playing billiards. There was a box of matches in the billiard-room. I was the last person in the billiard-room with Roach. Two persons were served with tobacco, but they left before I did.
Edward Needham: I am a teacher of writing. I live at Sydenham House, Colombo street. On Monday night I was retuming home from Armagh street. I called in at Roach's, and went into the billiard-room. This was about 11 p.m. I remained there about twenty minutes. Roach told me that he was going to see a friend. I saw him put up some of the shutters. I was smoking whilst I was on the premises. I left about 11.20 p.m. I did not see him put out the lights. The billiard-room was lighted up when I left. Several persons were smoking and playing billiards. There was a box of matches in the billiard-room. I was the last person in the billiard-room with Roach. Two persons were served with tobacco, but they left before I did.
William Pearce: I am the Inspector of Nuisances for the city of Christchurch. On Monday
night I was in Roach's shop this was about 10.30 pm. When Roach closed the shop I went to see his billiard-room. After he had put out the
lights, he struck a match, which I held, whilst he put out the gas.
The match went out, and I lighted another. I was particularly cautious
about the match, because I detected a smell of gas. I carried the second
match in my hand until we reached the door. I then put it out. I walked
with Roach as far as Campion's, and a little way down Colombo street
again, and Gloucester street, as far as the theatre, where we parted. By
Mr. Harper: I did not observe in what manner the front door was
fastened.
Henry Flynn: On the day of the fire I was at Campion's hotel. I was reading in bed until Roach came in. [The witness here corroborated the evidence of Kuacli with respect to the alarm of fire being given by Mr. Campion.J Roach fell asleep, and I awnkehiin.
Henry Flynn: On the day of the fire I was at Campion's hotel. I was reading in bed until Roach came in. [The witness here corroborated the evidence of Kuacli with respect to the alarm of fire being given by Mr. Campion.J Roach fell asleep, and I awnkehiin.
By Inspector
Pender: Roach was undressed and was sound asleep. No one could leave,
our room without my knowledge. Roach went to bed about his usual time,
it was a little past 1 a.m. when Campion came to our room.
John Mummery: I live in Colombo-street. On Tuesday morning I saw the
fire, and immediately gave the alarm. No. 2 engine was out at the river
in ten minutes after I first saw the glare of fire. I did not hear the
bell. The engine was supplied with water within a few minutes after the
alarm had been given.
Inspector Pender: On Tuesday morning last
I was called by the constable on duty this was about 1.20 a.m. I went
to Roach's premises; I saw that the place wa& on fire. No one was
near the spot but myself. The fire was confined to the billiard-room,
and had made no further progress, I shouted fire, and a cab-driver named
Beattie came up. Mr. Hobbs also came. Mrs. Oakes lived close by. Not
being able to make her hear me, I burst open the door. [Mr. Pender
described the progress of the fire.] Beattie rendered every assistance
in his power, but was obliged to leave the place where he was standing
on account of the heat. I passed by Roach's late on Monday night, but
saw no light burning, No further evidence being adduced, the Coroner
briefly summed up. The foreman suggested that as the place was infested
with rats, and it had been proved that matches had been kept in the
billiard room, where the fire broke out, it was probable that, as it was
a known fact that rats were in the habit of gnawing off the points of
matches, and scattering them about, the fire was caused by this means.
The jury returned a verdict to the effect that a fire had broken out on
the premises of Mr. G. H. Roach, in Colombo street, on the morning of
the 6th inst., but that there was no evidence to show how it originated.
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