Dog’s barking saves family

Press, 2 April 1979, Page 1

Dog’s barking saves family

Westport reporter The barking of the family dog saved a young family at Hector from a fire which destroyed their house early on Saturday morning. Mr and Mrs Alex Mann and their baby son were sound asleep when the fire started in the rear of their home next to the Hector swimming baths. An easterly wind fanned the flames through the house, and the family, awakened by the family dog, barely escaped in time. They saved nothing. While Mr Mann, a Stockton miner, grabbed a shirt and shorts Mrs Mann and

the baby escaped in their nightwear. The recently renovated house was completely destroyed. The local fire chief, Mr T. Hankinson, had no idea yesterday how the fire started. The local ratepayers’ association has opened an appeal fund for the Manns, who are accommodated in a house at Mokihinui formerly occupied by Mrs Mann’s mother. “But they need all the essentials to get started again,” said Cr P. Jennens, of the Buller County Council. While the house and contents were insured, the Manns needed clothing, cutlery, and other household items, she said.