The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-01-02 00:00:00

KIRKDALE

CU.II3,thICC:3, ltkigilL 11. ave oeettexpected,—many nt them,
no doubt, deterred by the apparent danger. The first
individual who escaped was en old man of sixty, named
Cornelius Young, who came down by the "dolly-rope,"
used for hoisting up sugar, &c. Two others afterwards de-
scended by the same means. Others escaped by equally
perilous means. At one time it was feared the fatality
would be very great, but we are glad to say this appre-
hension was not realised. One man, Thomas Jones, de-
scended from the warehouse in Matthew-street by means
of a steam-pipe, the height of which was at least 50 feet.
Jones, amidst the apprehensions and prayers of the
crowd, slowly descended ; but on his arrival at the bot-
tom, it was found that the flesh on his palms and fingers
had been dreadfully burnt. He gat them dressed, and
shortly after made his appearance at the fire. Three
other men seemed inclined to follow his example in de-
scending, but were afterwards got down by a ladder.
The alarm, in the meantime, had reached the fire sta-
tion (in the neighbourhood), and an engine was soon
brought up into Matthew-street. Mr. Hewitt, perceiving
the imminent danger of the men on his arrival at the
scene, returned to the station, and with the assistance of
his brother and other men, brought ladders to the rescue
of poor fellows who were hanging on the outside of the
building in a state of nakedness, amidst dense masses of
smoke, momentarily expecting to be consumed by the
raging fire beneath and around them, which was every
instant increasing. .

At the Harrington-street end, Mr. Hewitt, assisted by
a noble fellow named Brice, held a ladder on the roof of
a low shed adjoining the western wing or warehouse,
from a window of which, facing the west, some men were
seen. Brice held the bottom of the ladder to prevent it
from slipping over the roof, as it was too short to reach
the ground, and Hewitt standing behind it, supported it
with all his might in a sloping position, in the middle.
By this means three men found their way down unhurt.
One or two others also assisted, but (painful to relate)
some stood by as idle spectators, though called to lend a
hand! In Harrington street, ladders were also raised to
the windows where men were seen imploring assistance.
One of them was found to be too short to reach the higher
window in Harrington street, at which some men had ap-
peared, Mr. Hewitt,—who had but few men at first, and
was most gallantly assisted by the men employed by Mr.
G. Crossfield, headed by their foreman, Mr. Beatley,—
reared it on a lorry to the fifth story. The ladder was
still three or four feet short of reaching the window, which
was on the highest floor but one. One man. Patrick
Mahon, thrust his body our, made good his footing, and
descended in safety. Another, Jeffry Lloyd, followed his
example with success ; but a third, George White, tried
the experiment at another window of the same height,
but missing the spoke of the ladder, he fell down into the
lorry upon one of the men, Patrick Cassidy, the carter,
who stood at the ladder. The poor man also struck, or
rather partly fell across the lorry, and was dreadfully, and,
as it is feared, mortally injured. He was conveyed to the
Northern Hospital. It appeared that at the time of his
dropping from the window he was nearly suffocated and
rendered helpless, by the dense smoke and heat that
issued from the window, so that he let go his hold. Cas-
sidy was much stunned by his falling upon him, and, it
was first thought, killed ; but he soon afier so far re-
covered as to render active assistance to the fire police
during the day. Other men were also rescued by the same
parties who fearlessly exposed themselves to the utmost
hazard. Patrick Mahon, in jumping to a ladder, caught
hold of it, but in doing so severely injured his side. Two
men, Bulworker and Hussey, in escaping by the gangway
were dreadfully burnt.

One of the gangs who were busy papering the goods in
the top story first became aware of the fire, by seeing
the smoke issuing from the yard. Four of them imme-
diately rushed forward to reach the staircase. James
Corregan fell in his progress. He got upon the roof of
the warehouse, in the hope of jumping upon the one ad-
joining, belonging to Messrs. Holmes and Sons, but find-
ing that much higher, he was thus baffled in his attempt
to escape. He was about to throw himself into the street
when lie was observed from below, and advised not to do
so. He then retreated into the sugar-house again, and,
as well as a man named Price, finally escaped by a ladder
—other accounts state, by a spout. The spouts were of
cast-iron. Twelve men found their way to the bottom of
the building through the pulley-hole, and one poor fellow,
Hugh Roberts. mistook it for the staircase, fell down,
and was much hurt. Thomas Garland escaped by means
of the pulley-hole, and rushed into the street naked and
almost frantic. He was provided with a sheet and sent
home.

In addition to Mr. Crossfield's men, about twelve in
number, Mr. Sharp's men zealously exerted themselves
in every direction, as did several others, but such was the
excitement and apprehension, that hardly any two state-
ments of those who were present agree as to the peculiar
incidents of the scene. It has been stated that a ladder
broke at the top in being reared to a window. This is a
mistake. It was broken by being, in the blameless hurry
of the men, too hastily drawn from the wall to be placed
at another window, but was afterwards used by the fire-
men throughout the day in elevating the hose.
The scene at this time in Harrington-street and Mat-
thew-street was of the most heart-rending and appalling
nature. Men who had just themselves been rescued were
running about naked, bewailing, in a half frantic manner,
the pending fate of their fellow-labourers, and crying in
the wildest manner for help. Women and children were
searching for a husband or a parent, whom they could not
recognise, even when found, in consequence of their dis-
figurement, and despair seemed to have taken possession
of every countenance.
Most of the men were cut by the glass in making their
way through the windows, and, with scarcely an excep-
tion, they have lost all their clothing. This, with the loss
of their employment, viill, we fear, make them great
sufferers by this lamentable occurrence.
Immediately after opening the stove door (as stated) the
fire extended over nearly the entire premises, from street,
to street, favoured by the timber and other combustibles.
For a short time only they were confined to the centre
stories, from the windows and doors of a hich the volumes
of flame roared with intense fury, and the whole was de-
stroyed in about thirty minutes. Before nine o'clock a
dozen fire-engines were on the ground, including that of
the West of England, which it is said was the first to play ;
but as the sugar warehouses were beyond the possibility of
being saved, the firemen directed their attention to the
adjoining buildings, so as to prevent an extension of the
flames. A narrow passage, only three feet wide, marked in
the plan, separated the burning mass from a splendid pile of
warehouses, belonging to Messrs. Henry Holmes and Son,
and the warehouse of Messrs. Farrar and Duckworth.
At the west end, at some little distance from the sugar-
house, Harvey's warehouse was situated. On the south
side, besides one or two small cottages,, there wereanum-
ber of warel:ouses, separated, only by the width. of. Liu-

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rmgton-street, whilst, on the north side, a large number
of small houses, many of them the residences of the
workmen,were cut off from the flames by Matthew-street.
Fortunately, there was little or no wind at the time, but
what there was came from the west. Had there been any
thing like the north-west breezes which generally prevail
at this season of the year, no human exertions could have
saved the warehouses on the south side of Harrington-
street, and with them, part of the north side of Lord-
street must also have been destroyed, as the flames would
have rushed through Doran's-lane. The wood work of
the cottages and the cat-head of one of the warehouses
had caught fire from the intense heat, but it was soon
extinguished. On the west, Harvey's valuable warehouse
filled with cotton, &c., was in great danger • but the
wall was successfully played upon, and the steam that arose
showed the propriety of the precaution. The warehouse
of Messrs. Holmes, and that of Messrs. Farrar, in the
same line east of the " passage," were also in great danger.
It has been stated that they presented a dead wall from
top to bottom to the burning warehouse within a yard of
them on the opposite side of the passage. This is also a
mistake, for there are windows near the top, and where
the wall of the latter bulged out above, so as nearly to
touch men, three props were fixed from these windows to
keep it from falling against them, and exposing them to
the intense heat within without such a screen. The hose
was carried to the top of these buildings, and they were
kept cool and preserved. Three engines were also placed
in Mathew-street, for the purpose of preserving the pro-
perty opposite, and when not occupied in playing upon
the wood-work of the house, rendered efficient service on
the other side of the street. The top stories of the build-
ing marked "charcoal-house" in the plan, was used as
a warehouse, and in it Mr. James Brancker had deposited
a large number of valuable paintings, which he had re-
moved on his leaving his late residence at Ambleside.
The roof of this place having ignited, Mr. Samuel Holme
rushed into the upper stories, and, by his personal and
praiseworthy exertions, not only were the pictures re-
moved and placed in safety, but the budding itself, and
the cottages and manager's hoase adjoining, preserved.
Whilst the fire-police and those in authority were thus
dividing their exertions to check the progress of the de-
vouring element, the occupiers of Harvey's warehouse
employed men to remove their property, and their ex-
ample was followed by Messrs. Donnell and Appleby,
cheese factors, who caused to be removed a sast number
of cheese, and a large quantity of flour in sacks. Occu-
piers of warehouses in Rainford-eardens, North John-
street, and Mathew-street, partook in the general alarm,
and removed their goods, thereby incurring considerable
loss and trouble. Cart loads of furniture, as well as of
goods, were to be seen through the day piled along North
John-street, or remaining in carts stationed in various
directions, to he returned to the houses and warehouses
when they were pronounced out of danger, or to be sent
elsewhere.

The conflagration in the interior of the premises was
fearful, yet sublime, while it lasted. The flames conti-
nued to extend and increase in magnitude until the whole
of that part described in the plan as destroyed was one
sheet of fire. Passing into the yard, the sight was one of
the most-awful, yet magnificent, appalling yet sublime,
we ever remember to have witnessed. From upwards of
100 windows the flames were bursting forth with fearful
intensity. Each story seemed like a blazing avenue, ex-
tending from one end of the building to the other; the
consuming timbers were cracking with a loud noise, and
the ma-hinery was falling with tremendous crashes into
the cellars beneath. About half-past nine, what are called
the " blow pans" fell from the fourth story. On the
instant a loud explosion was heard, and the roof of the
centre warehouse in Harrington-street fell in. As soon
as the materials reached the bottom of the building, the
flames burst out with a noise resembling the roaring of a
mighty hurricane, and immense volumes of fire ascended
nearly 100 feet above the warehouse. Shortly afterwards
a similar effect was witnessed on the falling in of the roof
nearest Mathew-street. Story after story gave way,
until, at about half-past ten, it began to be apparent that
the fire would not extend beyond its limits at that time.
From the quantity of water thrown on the building, the
streets, especially inside the yard, were completely deluged
with a liquid resembling thin molasses, and in some places
the sugar was seen in a crusted or toffee state. Soon after
ten o'clock the sugar began to make its appearance in the
yard and street in a fluid state, and Lieutenant Maxwell,
inspector of insurance salvages, procured empty casks, and
titled several hundred of lem with rich molasses, which
otherwise would have been totally lest. Molten lead ran
from the roofs down the sides of the buildings, and even
iron itself was melted by the intense heat.

It has been stated that a gable-end, facing Mathew-
street, gave way about one o'clock, and fell; but this is
a mistake, as all the outer wails in that direction still
stand, though in a perilous position. The only part of
the outer walls that fell to the ground was a portion of the
centre of the front range to II arrington-street. Most of
the materials fell inside, and a huge gap is left facing
Doran's lane, the two high wings on each side (formed by
the warehouses presenting their gable-ends to that street)
still remaining at their full height, but shattered by the
fire and the falling floors.

To Mr. Whitty and the officers and men under him,
including Superintendents Leverett, Brown, and Mac-
donald, the greatest praise is clue for their fearless exer-
tions; and Mr. Hewitt was also, as usual, ever at the
point of danger, urging and aiding all around him in the
preservation of life and property. No less active was
Mr. Hewitt's brother George, who has been long known
by his effectual exertions on such occasions. The Mayor,
Sir Thomas and Mr. James Brancker, Mr. James Law-
rence, Mr. Rushton, M r. Parker, and many other members
of the Council, were also present at an ea] ly hour, and
did good service by their suggestions. One of the firemen
was severely injured by a kick from one of the fire-
engine horses. This was the only accident to the force,
although they were frequently placed in situations of great
peril, and had narrow escapes. The greatest order and
good temper were preserved throughout.
The crowds in every street and passage near the fire
were immense, and the excitement great, particularly
amongst those who had relatives connected with the
works.

The following are the liabilities of the several insurance
companies
Phoenix
Alliance .
Liverpool .
Imperial . .... 3,000
North Britain. ..... 500
Sun
London Corporation...... ......... 2,000
Scottish Union. . 3,000
West of Eng1and........
Yorkshire....
Total .• ••• ...

The estimated loss of the buildings, machinery, &c., is
£70,000. _ _

Mr. Samuel. Holme, in addition to the exertions before
noticed, had the gutters and spouts attached to the ware-
houses of Messrs. Holmes and Harrel, on the east and
west sides, filled with cotton wool, which, being saturated
with water, kept the spars and rafters in a state of mois-
ture. By this means they resisted the attacks of the
flames.

A correspondent of a contemporary paper states, that
the gas proceeding from the stoves of sugar-houses, and
which has a strong smell, is liable to ignite, and when ex-
panded by atmospheric change, would probably, in the
late density, aided by
accumulation, explode without
contact with flame. That explosion did take place there
appears to be no doubt; and we have not heard the re-
motest suspicion expressed that the fire arose from mem-
diarlsin. The circumstances, indeed, render such a sup-
position extremely improbable ; but it would be well that
the subject of the combustion of sugar gas should be in-
vestigated by scientific men, with a view to the prevention
of such disasters in future.
Subscriptions for the families of the sufferers, and for
those who may survive in a maimed state, have been
humanely commenced by Mr. James Thompson, publican,
Deane-street, who has himself contributed £5. We shall
be happy, in common with our contemporaries to receive
any sums for this purpose, and to hand them over to the
committee that may be appointed to receive and appro-
priate them,

The following are authentic particulars of the loss of
life and injury to individuals :
Thomas Jones had his hands and feet burnt by coming
down the pipe from top of the warehouse in Mathew-
street.

Joseph Price had his hands burnt by descending the
same pipe.
James Hussey had his eyes severely burnt, in making
his escape down the stairs and through the gateway into
Aiathew-street.

Hugh Jones came down the same stairs, and was so se-
verely burnt that be was taken to the hospital.
Robert Roberts, a man in the employ of Mr. Brancker,
says, a man of the name of Martin Gargan, (a Dutchman,)
was dreadfully burnt and hurt by a fall down the stairs
into the yard. Roberts carried him out of the yard, and
he was sent home.

George White fell from one of the top windows of the
Sugar-house in Harrington-street; he was taken to the
Northern Hospital.
Patrick Mann and Richard Stephens were raising a
ladder from the top of a lorry to rescue White and another
man, when White fell upon Stephens and Mann. Mann
was severely hurt, and taken to the Infirmary. Stephens
went home; he has now recovered.

A man of the name of Woods is supposed to be burnt to
ashes. He was making his escape along with some others,
but, unfortunately, turned back, for what is not known.
Doyle, a Custom-house officer stationed there, says, he
saw a quantity of the ruins fall upon him ; he was never
seen afterwards.

James Hooley, John Smith, Thomas Dixon, and Thos.
Mantle, were severely hurt.
John Bulwinkle had his eyes very severely burnt ; he
was taken home, Harmony-place, Clayton-street.
Patrick O'Hare had his eyes very severely burnt.
Patrick Cassidy was so severely burnt that he was taken
to the hospital.
George White, Patrick Cassidy, and Hugh Jones are
in the Northern Hospital; Patrick Mann is in the In-
firmary.

During the whole of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the
premises were visited by many hundreds. The ruins pre-
sented and still present, particularly from the interior
yard, a melancholy but picturesque appearance. The
three tall furnace chimneys still peer above them on the
south side, also one on the north. The greater part of
the exterior walls of the several buildings remain—most
of them at their original height, but rent and shattered
by the intensity of the fire, and the falling of the floors,
iron pipes, and other heavy materials within, The upper
parts of the walls, and round the sides and tops of the
windows were whitened by the flame, which mu-4 have
calcined the mortar, and probably vitrified some of the
bricks. The lower stories of the gutted buildings are
filled with ruins,. mingled with broken iron Oilers and
Vlinvihuolee, resineeaninsfroormbtek ayia'rddc—h7lcreinbneearmi:; l&acE;
outer walls being perforated with numerous windows—
resembles a quadrangle of cotton factories destroyed by
fire. The frame-work of the windows in which the glass
was inserted in small panas, being of cast iron, and form-
ing fixtures in the walls, still remain, blackened by the
smoke—those few alone being wanting, which the poor
men tore out or broke in order to effect their escape.
They had no doubt much difficulty in doing so, and we
venture to suggest that in such buildings in which, with
all precautions, fires may take place, and escape be other-
wise cut off, some of the windows at least in each story
should be made to open. Ropes, or small chains might
also be kept in readiness at each of these, by which the
men after throwing them out might safely descend ; for it
is dreadful to:contemplate astthe sole alternatives, their
descending by spouts, or precipitating themselves into
the street. Several fire-engines were at work from the
time of the great blaze, up to yesterday, as the fire still con-
tinues to smoulder in some parts under the ruins, emit-
ting steam, but all flame is now entirely subdued. The
tall eastern chimney though erect appears to be in a peri-
lous state, and there will be considerable danger in taking
down this and the high tottering walls of other elevated
parts of the ruins.
On making inquiry at the tufirmary last night, we
found that only one man had been sent there, with a slight
scar on one foot, and now " all right." At the Northern
Hospital the worst cases were those of White and Jones,
but both are likely to recover. Cassidy, the carter, on
whorqoWhite fell, is also convalescent, and can now walk
about, and Hennesey, who was taken from his house to
the hospital on Saturday is recovering, although he re-
ceived severe injuries. The result, therefore, is much
more gratifying than was expected, for notwithstanding
all the danger and suffering at the fire, it appears that
Woods alone has lost his life. His remains have not yet
been extracted from the ruins, and it is questionable
whether any portion of them will be recovered, so intense
was the fire at the spot where he was last seen.

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