EARLY MORNING BLAZE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 42, 20 January 1931, Page 6

EARLY MORNING BLAZE.

OCCUPANTS’ HURRIED EXIT FROAI HOUSE.

Extensive damage was done to a six-roomed wooden bungalow at 13 Kingswood Street when an outbreak of fire occurred at 3.30 a.m. to-day. Air and Airs J. Harvey 6lept soundly and received no warning of anything untoward until Air Harvey was startled by the sound of crashing glass in the kitolien. There were no signs of fire in the bedroom itself, and no smoke was visible. Air Harvey went down the passage to investigate, and on opening the kitchen door was met by a large amount of smoke. He shut the door and, with his wife, snatched a few articles of clothing before hurriedly leaving the premises through the front door. While Airs Harvey roused Air and Airs V. Goldfinch in the adjoining hpuse and secured the use of the telephone to summon the fire brigade, her husband ran down Chelwood Street to give the alarm from the box at the corner of Bryant Street. When the brigade arrived the fire had a strong hold and flames were shooting through the roof. However, the fire-fighters did good work and succeeded in confining the actual fire to the kitchen, which was apparently the seat of the outbreak. It did not take very long to suppress the flames, but the rear portion of the dwelling was then gutted, while the other rooms ‘were damaged by smoke and water. Included in the destroyed furniture was a piano. The building is owned by Air G. Herron, of Palmerston North, but particulars regarding the insurqlice are not available. The contents ’ are insured for £250.

The blaze attracted quite a number of spectators from the surrounding area. It was noticeable that the fire police were functioning efficiently. The three children of Air and Airs Harvey were fortunately absent from home at the time.