FIRES.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 10213, 8 December 1898, Page 6

FIRES.

A four-roomed cottage at Kakaia, owned and occupied by Mr H. Batter, was accidentally destroyed by fire on Tuesday. The building was insured in the South British Office for £75. (PHESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, December 7. By a fire an eight-roomed two storey wooden dwelling in Cumberland street north, owned by the trustees in the estate of Mr John T.oomey, and occupied by Mr A. W. McDonald, wool scourer, was completely destroyed. The fire spread to the manse of • the Presbyterian Church adjoining, and the top storey was gutted, as well as one room down below. Mr McDonald's house was insured in the Standard Office for £600, and the Manse in the National Office for £500. Both offices are re-insured. Mr McDonald's furniture was insured in the South British for £300, which he says will not cover the loss. Singular circumstances are reported in connection with the fire. At 6 a,m. McDonald discovered a fancy chair and curtain in the drawing room of his house to be on fire. Between 11 and 12 Mrs McDonald found that a fire had started in another part of the same room, and this was extinguished by -her son, who then, asked the captain of •the Fire Brigade to visit the place. This was not done, and about 4 o'clock the fire which destroyed the building* broke ■ out. it is believed in a cupboard used as a wardrobe • '