The Great Fire – 14 Businesses Destroyed ,Greymouth. 11 June 1869.

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DescriptionThe Great Fire – 14 Businesses Destroyed On 11 June 1869, a disastrous fire occurred in Mawhera Quay, being the greatest calamity which had yet befallen Greymouth. It started at the rear of the Melbourne Hotel on the corner of Werita Street and the Quay. A stiff gorge wind blowing (now referred to as the Barber) fanned the flames into an immense blaze. The manual engine was placed on a staging to pump water from the river. However, due to the suction hose being badly coupled up when pumping began, the hose slipped into the river.
Minutes ticked by before a boat was brought to the scene and eventually the suction was recovered and coupled up, and pumping began in earnest. But the delay had cost the destruction of many more buildings: the Harp of Erin Hotel, Perkins Office, Hamilton and Nicholls Store, Trist Blacksmiths. In all, fourteen businesses, including four hotels and three banks, were destroyed. To stop the spread of fire, the Bank of New South Wales was pulled down.

Following a magisterial inquiry into this ruinous fire, practices were held twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays. Tests were carried out on engines, the hose was repaired, and equipment was generally tidied up. On 8 July 1869 many new members enrolled, John Walton being among those named. Brigade officers requested that a price be obtained for a hook and ladder carriage from Ballarat. Brigade finances were at a low ebb and meetings were held to try to encourage contributions.

Martin Kennedy donated ten pounds and also forwarded a letter emphasising that the public of Greymouth were letting the Brigade down by not contributing to a fund to run it efficiently. On 27 July 1869, officers were empowered to order the following equipment: two 20-ft, two 15-ft ladders, two grapplings, ropes, chains and 18 fire hooks. The Melbourne Hotel in the photo is the replacement constructed on the same site after the first hotel was destroyed by fire in 1869.Date of Photo 11 June 1869Map^[1]ContributorTony Kokshoorn

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Location (city or town)GreymouthLandmark (Place)Melbourne HotelOrganisation (eg business)Melbourne HotelEventThe Great Fire

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Category Tagfire

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Date Created17th June 2022CommentsBrian McIntyre
Looking at the photo the fire must have jumped Werita St to travel west along the Quay

Peter Robertson
Perkins Office? An accountant? Later Pickles,Perkins and MacAllistair? Going strong in the 1960's

Ruth Naylor
Peter Robertson Had an Office in Westport.1960-1970

Denise Eckersley
Gillfillian Gentles Pickles Perkins and co

June Griggs
Denise Eckersley Pickles Perkin and Mc Alister were the accountants for our dads company Westland Moulding Company.

Denise Eckersley
Didnt know that June I worked at the one I mentioned. Hope you had a great birthday

Colleen Yee
Interesting, thanks for sharing.

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The Great Fire – 14 Businesses Destroyed ,Greymouth. 11 June 1869.