P.M.’s HOME DAMAGED

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31579, 17 January 1968, Page 16

P.M.’s HOME DAMAGED

Fire In Next Building (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 16 The Prime Minister’s youngest daughter, Miss Keitha Holyoake, began moving belongings from the Prime Minister’s residence as fire threatened the home late last night The fire in an unoccupied two-storey building next door to Mr Holyoake’s residence in Pipitea Street filled the Holyoake home with smoke, blistered paintwork, and cracked upstairs windows. The Prime Minister is at present out of Wellington, holidaying with Mrs Holyoake at Lake Taupo. Extensive damage was caused to the building, formerly occupied by B.P.’s Wellington branch office. A fireman was overcome by smoke after he kicked in a door in an attempt to get at the centre of the blaze. He was taken to hospital and his condition was reported as satisfactory. Miss Holyoake said she returned home about 11.15 p.m. with friends just as the fire engines arrived. “Our first concern was for Francie, our poodle, which was locked inside the house. She had been sick,” she said. ‘Smoke was billowing through the house as we opened the door. We took Francie to the car and then started bringing out sentimental belongings.” Miss Holyoake said there appeared to be little damage to the home.