The Sun.
London, England, 1852-05-11 00:00:00

THE FIRE IN SOUTHWARK.

The ground that has been cleared by the destructive
element extends in one direction nearly 200 feet. and
from 90 to 100 feet in width. The factory of Mr. Hay-
man, besides containing a most valuable stock of seeds
of nearly every description, was fitted up with costly
steam machinery and kilns. Such was the rapid progress
of the flames, that they speedily communicated to a
number of cart-lodes and a spacious timber building be-
longing to Mr. Reddin, the contractor. When the last
named premises took fire a number of waggons, water-
carts, and timber-trucks were in the buildings, and it was
only by extraordinary exertion that any of them could
be saved. The following is a copy of the official report
of the damage done:—" Monday, May 10, 1852.
Called at a quarter past 1 AM. to a large fire in Farn-
ham-place, Gravel-lane, and the Grove, Southwark.
Upon arriving, found the fire in the premises of Mr.
Hayman, seed-factor, and Mr. Reddin, contractor.
The fire was extinguished by firemen, with 4
D, 3 A, 3 B, and 1 C engines of the London
Establishment, one of the West of England-
office, and one of the parish. The cause of fire not
known. The contents of the factory were not insured,
but the machinery and buildings were insured in the
Atlas Fire-uffiee. The premises, of timber construc-
tion, used as a seed factory, together with the stock in
trade, &c., all but destroyed. Mr. E. Reddin, the con-
tractor—Buildings and contents insured in the Phoenix
Fire-office. Some cart sheds destroyed, and about two-
thirds of a building of timber construction burnt down.
Mr. R. Hale, patent manure factor—Contents not in-
sured; building in the Phoenix. Side front of factory
burnt, and stock damaged by water. Mr. Fletcher, en-
gineer—Building and contents insured in the West of
England-cffice. Side fronts damaged by fire, and con-
tents by water. Mr. Austin, ironfounder—Contents in-
sured in the Sun; the building in the Phoenix. Roof
damaged by breakage, and contents by water. Mr. C.
Hambleton, bedstead maker—Contents and buildings
insured in the Phoenix-office. Side front of workshops
burnt, and furniture damaged by hasty removal.

THE SHOP-BLIND NUISANCE.
As will be seen by reference to the very useful "Guide
to the Proper Regulation of Buildings," by Mr. liosking,
pp. 13, 14, the London Commissioners of Pavements are
authorized, but unfortunately not required, by the statute
(57 Geo. 3, c. 29), commonly called Michaelangelo
Taylor's Act, to regulate or remove all such things as
are "inconvenient or incommodious to any passengers
along the carriage or foot ways of any of the streets," &c.
It so happens, however, that many of these commis-
sioners of pavements are the very men who commit the
nuisance in question: hinc ilia lachrynice. Thirty years'
continuance of it in the face of such authorizement
shows pretty clearly that however excellently well com-
missioners of pavements may be able to carry out the
principle of self government, they require some central
stimulus to move them where their own self-interest or
convenience induces them not to move. As remarked
by Mr. Hosking, they are sharp in vision where poor
hucksters stop the public way, while interfering with
their shopkeeping interests. Something really must be
dose to get rid of the abominable nuisance of shop sun-
blinds. This is a nuisance which prevails in towns
throughout the whole country. The Act, however,
which we lately quoted, namely, 10 & 11 Vict., c. 89,
applies to such towns, &c., as have or shail have ah
Act incorporating this one, and in it, therefore, some
towns have, or may have, their remedy; but it appears
that Michaelangelo Taylor's Act is that on which Lon-
don in the meentime can alone rely—an Act which in
this respect has for thirty years remained a dead letter.
It is for the London public to say, then, whether they
will "require" their pavement commissioners to do what
that Act only " authorises" them to do—namely, to insist
on the abatement of the shop sun-blind nuisance.—
Builder.

SEABORNE MAILS.
[N signlffes that the mails are sent from the General Post-office
by the night—and M by the morning---klispatch.)