EARLY MORNING BLAZE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2645, 14 May 1923, Page 4

EARLY MORNING BLAZE.

HOUSE GUTTED AT LONGBURX. OCCUPANTS’ NARROW ESCAPE. At about five o'clock yesterday morn, ing the house occupied by Mr Charles Cooksley and family, situated on the main Foxton road, burst into flame, and fanned by the prevailing bre*ze, spread rapidly. The occupants were just able to escape in their night attire. On account of the absence of any flre.fighting facilities, the house and contents were quickly destroyed. So far the cause of the outbreak is unknown, but it is surmised that the breeze which sprung up early in the , morning revived the dying embers of the grate in the kitchen, and either a spark- had come in contact with the floor or the chimney had ignited. This was the only theory for the outbreak yesterday, and is strengthened by the fact that the inmates had a fire alight in order to prepare supper prior to retiring on Saturday night. Mr Aruott, who was staying in the house, first discovered smoke, and on investigation, found the house to be afire and quickly gave the alarm. Mrs ooksley and the children being extricated before —e conflagration had spread to any appreciable extent. By this tirao the Palmerston North Fire Brigade had been notified, and gave the alarm. Several people gathered round, but with the lack of facilities, it was impossible to do anything to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, beyond a fright, none of the inmates was injured, although they lost practically all their clothing. The house is a six-roomed building, and is the property of Mr Jellicoe, solicitor, of Wellington. The insurances could not be ascer, tained yesterday, but it is understood both house and chattels were covered in small sums.

Insure with The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Ltd. Surplus assets £12,000,000. Chief agent, R. Davies, F.P.A.N.Z., Spooner’s Buildings.*