On 24 October 1870, the main centre of Lyttelton was engulfed in flames. Fire broke out about 10.15pm at the back of the Queen’s Hotel on London Street and spread quickly through neighbouring shops and houses until the whole central block bordered by Norwich Quay, London, Oxford and Dublin Streets was involved. “The Press” reported that the red glow from the fire was noticed in Christchurch; the alarm was raised and the local telegraph officer was roused from his sleep in order to call Lyttelton and find out what was happening. The reply received was “The town is on fire. I am removing the instruments.” The Christchurch Fire Brigade and steam fire engine were hastily dispatched by train to help, along with the Fire Police.

Meanwhile, Lyttelton locals were valiantly trying to halt the fire, removing fences and even pulling down buildings to impede its progress. Prisoners in the Lyttelton Gaol were let out to assist in the fire-fighting and four were later commended by the Gaoler for being instrumental in the saving of the Magistrate’s Court, ironically, and the Colonists’ Hall, among other buildings. William Rolleston, the Canterbury Superintendent said the Provincial Government “…would give favourable consideration to… a gratuity…” for the prisoners on their release.

Families made homeless by the fire were accommodated in the Colonists’ Hall and also on the steamer “Taranaki” which was in port and narrowly missed being caught by the flames. Auckland’s “Evening Star” reported: “Two thirds of the town of Lyttelton is absolutely cleaned of buildings, comprising an area of four or five acres.” The Bank of New Zealand, some thirty stores, eight hotels and several private houses were destroyed. A Lyttelton Fire Relief Fund was started and donations of money, food and clothing began to pour in from all over New Zealand, including a small but touching donation of £1.10.0 from the scholars of Featherston School.

Archives References: CH287 - CP115 - ICPS 1298 1870 CH519/509. Image courtesy of Canterbury Regional Council Collection.

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