A BIG BLAZE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 10

A BIG BLAZE

OLD MANAWATU HOME

PLACE FORTUNATELY EMPTY

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

PALMEESTON N.,.This Day.

One of the oldest and' largest homes; in the vicinity of Palmerston North was totally destroyed by fire late this afternoon, when a twenty-two-roomed residence lately occupied by Mr. W. I. Lovelock, at Awapuni, was razed to the ground; • The house was unoccupied at the time, as Mr. Lqyelock had lately exchanged witli Mr. A. C. Yandy, of Gisborne, who had not taken possession. An elderly caretaker named Green was in charge, but was absent at the time of the outbreak. The fire is believed to have started in the office. Fanned by a breeze the flames spread rapidly. The Palmerston North Fire Brigade could not assist, the house being outside the borough boundary. Fortunately all the furniture had been removed from the premises, with the exception of a billiard1 table and two valuable pictures belonging to Mr. Lovelock. ". ' It is believed, the insurance on the building is in the vicinity of £3000. The house was situated in fine grounds and surrounded by: large trees, some of which caught alight. The country was lit up by the glare for a considerable distance round. Be prepared. See' that you have adequate insurance on your house and furniture. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Company, . Ltd., Panama Street, Wellington.—Advt.