MR DOULL'S HOUSE COMPLETELY DESTROYED.

Northern Advocate, 26 March 1887, Page 2

MR DOULL'S HOUSE COMPLETELY DESTROYED.

v ■ '■ ' On, Tuesday, night Mr Doiill's house was burnt to the ground. From particulars we have gathered from Mr Doull, we learn that he was on his way homo from Whangarei about six o'clock, and when* about half a mile from home was startled to. see the back portion of his house in flames. Hurrying on, ho managed, with 'the assistance of some neighbours to put thelfirebut. In the meanwhile others W&removed all the furniture outside. Mrs Doullat'the time of the outbreak vaSgetting some, water' at the creek. Mr Doull then put the furniture back in the house, and afr the invitation of Mr went- to his house to tea. sMr Boul, atl about .eleven o'clock walked over to see that everything was right before going to bod, and when near the-house, heard a crackling noise as of tiriiber burning. Looking under .the house he saw it was again in flames. As there was no one at hand, and no water procurable, he was powerless to fight the element. This time everything wasjburnt to the ground. Doubtless a few embers had been overlooked when extinguishing the flames the first time, and these had been smouldering and eventually burst into flames again. Mr Doull estimates the value of the house, which was now and had only been occupied about ten weeks, at £100, and the furnituue at £140. There was an insurance of £50 on the house, and £75 on tho furnituro, in the New Zealand Office, so that it will be seen that Mr Doull is a very heavy loser. Mr Doull is quite unablo to account for the origin of the fire. Great sympathy is felt for them in their sudden.loss. . .