FIRE AT KAIAPOI.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 6979, 4 February 1888, Page 6

FIRE AT KAIAPOI.

Xesterdaymorningat3.oVciock an alarm was given by tbe bell, and the volunteer Fire Brigade turned oufya three-roomed cottage, the property of Mr Orpheus Knight, situate in the central part of ' Akaroa street, being the scene of the conflagration. Near Mr wheelwright, s shop a contretemps happened to the manual engine through the fore carriage breaking off while crossing a small ditch. A message, however, brought word that the building on fire was detached and bad been burned to the ground. The ! steam engine, which had "started, was sent back to the station. It appears the fire must have broken out between two and three o'clock, as Mr Knight, who is the cattle ranger for the borough, states that he had sat up till the former hour, when he left the house to go in quest of stray cattle, and was on the Beach read, a mile away, when he first saw the flames. He says there was a little fire in the American stove, to keep food warm for his infant, and he left a candle burning with his wife at home. Mrs Knight says she had gone to bed, and was asleep when the smoke roused her, and she caught up the baby and went out. The flames were first seen" by Mr J. Winterbourne, who lives opposite, and gave the alarm. He foufid Mrs Knight sitting in the garden in her night dress. The building was insured for £100, and furniture for £50, with the Colonial office.