CO129-132 - Sir MacDonnell - 1868 [8-9] — Page 314

on the ground was that attached to the Water Police, under the direction of Sergeant O'Brien and a pusse of Chinese Jukonge, who imme diately went to work and readered most eff- cient service during the fire. After this the engine of the Central police arrived, and com- menced operations, but the hose pipe burst in a short time, and caused some delay, until tied ap and made tant by Mr. Macdonal, one of the turnkeys of the Gaol, who was on the spot with the Governor of that establishment. This mishap occurred more than once to the great disadvantage of the Brigade, and the en- Igine was eventually sont home. About half- past eleven or so the roof of the building fell in with a crusb, that sent myriads of sparks into the air, and seemed as if it were a welcome "feu de joie" to the Superintendent of the Fire Bri gade, who arrived about that time. Measrs. Dont & Co.'s engine also arrived about this time, and taking up a position in D'Aguilar- street played on the roof of the stables lately belonging to that firm, which bad hecome ignited. but which did not burn after the straw roof fell. A number of men from the U.S. g-b. Un dilla arrived on the scene during the even ing, and rendered good assistance, as did also the Naval Brigade of H.M.S. Pearl, consisting of ninety men under the command of Lient E. C. Rice, who also caine promptly to the spot, and assisted in the most praiseworthy manner in subduing the flames. The engine of the 73rd : Regiment, with a considerable body of men. Jarrived shortly before the fire had burst itself out, but of all the different departments repre- sented at the fire, the men of the Dockyard police were the most active in extinguishing the flames, au-i therefore great merit must be LUK:'તુંયારે to their exertions The attempts. made to save the property were, although will meant, very improperly carried out for the amount of damage done to art of th furnitu, e of the block quite away from the fire, is unch to be regretted, as is also the spirit whit directed the members of the police force to commence playing bowls in the Orient 1 Salon during the early hours of the morning, while the remains of the fire were extinguishe i.

The wreck of the building is now in the hands of the Insurance Companies, with whom the policies on the building and its content werd taken out. As the place was completely gutted. there is very little hope of anything of value being saved, with the exception of the Fire proof safe" belonging to the firm, which is the only thing in the whole store that withstood the flames.

Among the other Engines which arrived early on the ground, one brought up by M. Ma- caire of the M. 1. str. Imperatice, did good ser- vice, and therefore must not be forgotten.

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