WAIMATE BLAZE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19917, 2 May 1930, Page 9

WAIMATE BLAZE.

RESIDENCE GUTTED. Just put in readiness.for occupation, an eight-roomed house in Shearman street was gutted by fire on Wednesday night. The owner, Mir C. E. H. Gunn,. had everything arranged with the intention of moving in: yesterday. The damage is very considerable and the insurances, which are not available, will not, it is understood, nearly cover the loss. Mr Gunn will therefore be a heavy loser. The outbreak occurred about 10.30 o'clock, and was first noticed by Mr Kobert Inkster, who resides opposite. He at onco % rushed to inform Mr Gunn, who occupies a house close by. The Fire Station was telephoned, but when the brigade arrived on-the scene the position looked hopeless, the flames having had a good, hold when the outbreak was first discovered. By smart' work and aided by a good pressure of water control was soon gained, however, and the fire was confined to the front portion of the house. It is thought the whole house would have been destroyed had there been any wihd t Four rooms and the hall were gutted, but the other rooms were damaged by smoke and water. Mr G. Campbell suffered the loss of his electric floor-smoothing machine, and Mr Wilson, High street, .the loss of a quantity of carpenter's tools.. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Examination, has been made of the electric lighting system, but it is confidently considered there was no fault there. It is surmised a spark of some kind might have got into carpenter's shavings, which were in a front room. A look round the house to see that everything was all: right was made by Miss Gunn shortly after ten o'clock but • nothing untoward was noticed then. Some ■• workmen had ' been engaged in the house up to about ten o'clock. The house was one which recently belonged to Mr D.; Lundon.