HOUSE & STORE BURNT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21602, 3 January 1945, Page 4

HOUSE & STORE BURNT

MANUTUKE FIRE NOTHING SAVED Fire completely destroyed the dwelling house and business premises leased by Mr. 11. J. Chiplin. Manuluke. early on Monday night. The building was leased only recently to Mr. Chiplin by Mr. A. Barber, and The forepart was used as a general store while the rear portion was occupied by Mr. Chiplin, his wife and family Shortly alter 7 o’clock smoke was seen '.issuing from the building by neighbouring farmers and when Mr. Chiplin arrived home from the beach with his family the flames had a good hold. The flames raged fiercely untii the building \vas completely demolished. No attempt could be made to subdue the fire as there were no fire-fighting facilities in the district. The building was well stocked with supplies, and the dwelling part was fully furnished, but although attempts were made nothing of great value was rescued. Sheds at the rear of the building escaped untouched, due to the fact that there was no wind at the time. A small quantity of Mr. Chiplin’s stocks were stored in these sheds.