FIRE AT NORMANBY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 20 August 1928, Page 6

FIRE AT NORMANBY.

DWELLING DESTROYED

ALL CONTENTS LOST,

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

As the result of a. fire which was discovered at about seven o’clock on Saturday • e\ening a. four-roomed dwelling on the Mountain Road near Normauby, occupied toy Air. and Airs. G. Brosnan and family, was totally destroyed. The house is situated about half a mile north of the Nornianby station, and was ownea toy Air. 11. Stevenson. it appears that Airs. Brosnan had been drying some clothes by the fire, and while she was busy in another part of the house she heard a peculiar noise. On opening the door of the front room she found it a mass of flames, which quickly enveloped the whole building. Although many willing helpers were soon on the scene, nothing could be done to check the outbreak, and only a child’s basinette was saved.

The building was insured in the Farmers’ Mutual Office for £2uo, and the contents in the Phoenix for £IOO. The family, however, suffered a severe loss, practically the whole of the clothing and personal effects Laving been destroyed. Six boys whose ages range from 12 years’ to a baby of 10 months, and a girl aged 13 were -living at home and all their clothing except the night attire in which they escaped was lost.

In respond to a notice posted at the Normainby Dairy a quantity of clothing was donated yesterday and to-day, and a letter received from AD* D. Robertson iat the “Star” office this morning invites the donation of wearing apparel, toed clothing, or cash donations. Air Robertson points out that the f family is homeless and dn urgent need of assistance. ' Mr Brosnan, wluo is a carpenter, was away working at New Plymouth but had left his tools at the house. These also were destroyed. Pending the securing of a new home for the family its members have been given shelter at- the homes- of Alessrs D. Rbibtertson, J. Dombroski and A. J. llopcroft.