FIRE DESTROYS COTTAGE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25380, 31 December 1947, Page 4

FIRE DESTROYS COTTAGE

COMMITTEE SEEKS HELP FOR TWO FAMILIES Fire in a four-roomed cottage in Wilson’s road late yesterday afternoon destroyed not only the accommodation of two families, but almost their entire clothing, bedding, and personal belongings. Five small children—the eldest of whom is aged six—and their parents are now homeless. Within a few hours, however, residents in the district had formed a committee to take up- a collection and to make an appeal for any serviceable household effects that might be of use to the families who were in the house. The property, at 470 Wilson’s road, was occupied by Mrs Daphne Madden and another family. Although the Christchurch Fire Brigade received the alarm when the fire broke out, it was unable to prevent the wooden building from being badly damaged and its contents from being ruined by water and flames. One of the occupants of the house was a young returned serviceman who had recently received a rehabilitation loan for the purchase of furniture.

Last evening three residents in the district appealed to readers of “The Press” for help for the distressed family. Clothing—particularly children’s garments—they said, would be welcomed along with any articles of bedding or furniture, while gifts of money would also be acceptable. Offers of help could be left with Mr R. McCreanor, Mr H. Nunes, or with Mr A. E. Wright at the store opposite the Lancaster Park gates. The following residents were appointed to a committee . which will make a canvass of the district and hold a series of social functions to raise funds:—Messrs T. Martin (chairman), R. McCreanor (secretary). A. E. Wright, G. S. Wilmott, Black, R. Crewe. H. Nunes. Mesdames Crewe, Wilmott, J. W. Gurr, and T. Martin.

BRIGADE ANSWERS SEVERAL CALLS Several calls were answered by the Christchurch Fire Brigade yesterday. The first, at 11.34 a.m., was to a property at 20 Ottawa road, occupied by William Tullett A fire, caused by a< spark from some burning rubbish, severely damaged a shed and its contents. At 2 p.m. the brigade put out * grass ® re at 66 Hackthome road, /ft • 3.53 n.m. it attended to a rubbish fire i which had got out of control at 388 ■ Barrington street.