FIRE AT PONSONBY.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 202, 30 August 1887, Page 5

FIRE AT PONSONBY.

Insurances, £730.

Shortly before 4 o'clock this morning a seven-roomed house in Wood-street, Ponsonby, owned and occupied by Mr K. Wool' field, was totally destroyed by firo. Messrs Gouk, jun., Ivil, and others were returning homeward from a (social gathering at Messrs Adams Bros., Pon son by Road, when they discovered Mr Woolfield'a residence in flames at the rear. They knocked loudly at a side door, and Mr Woolfield made his appearance at the front door. The firo had then a good hold of the building, and only a few pictures were saved by the owner. The Ponsonby Fire Brigade was speedily on the scene, and was followed by the Auckland Brigade. A good supply of water was available, but the building was doomed before ife could be brought into play, and in a very short space of time was reduced to ashes. A stable belonging to Mr Woolfield was partly burned, but the adjoining property escaped without damage. The house destroyed was a seven - roomed two - storied building built four or five years ago. When tho fire broke out only Mr Woolfield was on the premises. He states that he cannot imagine how tb efire originated. Yesterday afternoon there was a lire in the kitchen, and he was la?t there at 10 p.m. yesterday, when everything appeared to be secure. An hour later he retired, and about 4 a.m. he fancied that something heavy fell in the house and awoke him. About the same time he heard a knocking at the door and calls of "Fire !" He dressed hurriedly.and opened the door leading to the kitchen. He was almost overpowered with smoke, and was forced to make his exit at the front door. He tried to get out some furniture, but was advised by someone to keep the door shut, and acted accordingly. The houso was insured for £500 in tho Norwich Union ; the furniture for £200, and stable for £30 in the Equitable.