FIRE AT ELTHAM

Hawera Star, Volume L, 19 May 1930, Page 6

FIRE AT ELTHAM

12-ROOMED DWELLING GUTTED

At 4.45 this morning a 12-roomed dwelling at the corner of King Edward and Mill Streets, E'ltham, was almost completely gutted. The house was owned bv Mr. John Chris toffef, of New Plymouth, and occupied by Mr. Earnest Pratt, a gardener by occupation, whose faiimit-ure, on which there- was- no illsuranee, was. with the exception of a. bedroom suite, destroyed. The' dwelling was insured for £1250, and tibere was a cover of £IOO on the outbuildings. Mr. Pratt was the sole occupant of the house at the time of the outbreak, Mrs. Pratt being away at New Plymouth. intending to* return home today. The fire originated, in the dining room, in which a wood fire in an open fireplace was kept burning last evenmg'. The house, known as “The Gables,” was built 27 years ago for Mr. W. H. MeGa.rrv who made it Ids home until his retirement to Auckland about seven years ago, and with its well-kept shrubbery and gardens, was. one off the principal show places of Eiltliam. Till" fire brigade, under Superintendent H. A. Nuttall, was on the scene within two minutes of the alarm being (riven and effected a good save. One room and its contents were not damaged.