, 1891-03-11

building was one mass of flames from end to
end, great rolling heavy masses of black
smoke piling skyward, giving proof to all the
surrounding country of the intensity of the
fire from which it was arising. A most
curious phenomenon was observable after the
flames had got into full play. The building
which was roughly speaking 100 feet in
depth by 80 or ~ in width and two storeys
high was covered on roof and sides with
galvanised iron sheets. Owing to the large
quantity Of sulphur within the walls,-che-
mical action setting in when the sulphur gas
came into contact with the iron sheets, the
colour of the latter became q bright lemon
yellow. The fire brigade was soon repre-
scented, with Colonel Cotton in command
some portions of it appearing with creditable
expedition, others in a more leisurely manner;
and the way the men worked to save the
property in proximity to the burning building
was nothing short of heroic. Our, high
opinion Of the merits of the Georgetown fire
brigade was fully confirmed. There was no.
possibility of saving the factory, nor Of saving
a side building belonging to it; but every
other building was saved, although the heat
that played upon them was terrific enough to,
have prevented less determined fremen from
going near. TIL properties most in danger
were the shop and dwelling house immediate
ly to windward of the factory, and the Tram
ways W. y Q6pOG d11 III WOOO FEOIhAAS y
premises to westward. The mules and cars;
were removed from the depot without a
moments loss of time, and the employees were
left free to work at saving the building,
which they did most heartily. Immediately to-
leeward of the factory is the new Albouy's
Town Market, which consists of a frame
work covered with galvanised iron. Two or
three times the small surface of exposed
wood. work caught fire, but as often was it
drenched out blythe fire brigade, and ultimately
the place was. saved. The girls and men who,
were at work in the factory to the number of
over one hundred, were able to make their
escape in time without injury all save one
girl who in being lifted over a gate received a
slight hurt to one Of her arms. By half
past ii, the flames had burnt themselves out,
and slightly raised heap of smoking debris
was all that was left to represent the Factory
that a year ago had been rebuilt and newly
equipped at a total expense of over $4,000.
This is the second time it has been burnt
within two years. The Government would be
justified now in refusing to allow a third
building of the kind to be erected in or near
the city.
We noted at the outset that the Insurance
Companies had escaped almost scathless, the
claims upon them being limited to the repa-
ration of superficial damage to the Tramways
depot and probably to two or three other
buildings. The Match Factory was not in
sured on this occasion although it was in
sured for Sl2, 900 at the time of the former
fire. 1t belonged to Mr.. j. Simao da Costa,
who a few weeks ago was declared an insol-
vent, indebted, amongst other creditors to
Messrs. Farnum q Go. for about 100000
This firm had helped Mr.. da Costa to import
machinery for the new factory and had, as
they alleged, a lien on it as security for pay
ment of this liability. Upon Mr.. da Costa's
declaration of insolvency Messrs. Farnum
& Co. seized the factory and refused point
blank to give the Administrator General
possession. The other creditors would not
tolerate this claim and the question was soon
to engage the attention of the Court. Mean
while this fire Las placed the question in a
peculiar position The place was in the
possession of Messrs. Farnum & Co., and the
other creditors say they intend to ask that
firm to restore it to the condition in which
it was when they seized it, or pay over the
amount of valuation at which it stands as one
of da Costa's assets.