EARLY MORNING FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 22629, 22 April 1937, Page 11

EARLY MORNING FIRE

SIX-DOOMED HOUSE CUTTED Fire, the origin of which is unknown, completely gutted a six-roomed wooden building known as the head master s house of the North-east Valley Schoo. (though not so occupied) early this morning. The house was owned by the Otago Education Board, and leased to Mr Scrivener. , . The crackling of the flames was heard by Mr Scrivener’s daughter, who immediately informed her parents in another room. The family escaped without difficulty, but by the time the City Fire Brigade arrived at 5.10 the fire had a good hold. Difficulty was experienced 'in finding a means of taking the engine up to the house, but eventually hoses were taken in from *1 ames street and Primrose Bank, a total of approximately 800 ft of hose being used. By the time the water was turned on the whole of one side of the house was in flames, the latter reaching high above the house, and the fire was beginning to cross the passage to the other side. A space of 20 minutes elapsed before the brigade could obtain a grip on the fire, ana the machine did not leave the house until two and a-half hours later. Every room in the house was badly damaged, as also were the furniture and other contents. The insurances on the house are not available.