FIRE IN PALMERSTON.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 1979, 22 November 1921, Page 5

FIRE IN PALMERSTON.

APARTMENT HOUSE BADLY GUTTED. While walking 1 along Broad Street, Palmerston North, at about 9 o'clock last night, Mr. Edward Smith's attention was attracted by a glare that appeared in the window of an apartment house at No. 47, Broad Street. Mr. Smith Immediately warned the two ladies who were occupying the front rooms of the building of their danger, and then notified the fire brigade of the conflagration. When the brigade arrived on the scene the fire had spread rapidly, but they quickly set to work with two leads of hose, and in a short time bad the fire under control. Before the flames were subdued, however, tho house had been badly gutted throughout, and very little furniture was saved. The tenant, Mrs. Leekey, was at the pictures when the outbreak occurred, and Misses Muir and Sherwood were tho only occupants of the house at the time. Tho house, which is the property of Dr. Pope, was insured for £550 in tho New Zealand Insurance Company's offices, and is valued at £1.500. The contents of the house were insured for £250 by Mr?. ]>ekcy, and she estimates her loss at £4OO. Misses Muir and Sherwood both had their furniture and effects insured in the Guardian Insurance offices for £l5O and £75 respectively. Miss Muir valued her property at £250, while Miss Sherwood estimates her loss at £IOO. Amongst the few pieces of furniture saved was a piano, which was kept in one of the side rooms. In all. five rooms were rented, but as far as could be ascertained last night the people mentioned wero tho only ones insured. The outbreak commenced in the rear of the building, and the cause ia a mystery,