FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5395, 3 March 1879, Page 2

FIRES.

We regret to state that another destructive fire of corn-stacks occurred on 17th February, at about 10 o'clock, on Mr. Paton's farm, Papatoitoi, but on this occasion there is no doubt about the accidental origin of the fire. The result, however, was the destruction of a number of stacks of wheat, estimated to be worth between £600 and £700. It appears that Mr. Oarruth's threshing machine was employed on the grain, aad at 10 o'clock am. it was observed that one of tho grain-stacks was on fire. The men around did all that was possible to quench tho fire, but it spread in spite of them, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the machine, which at one time was surrouuded by the fire, was saved. Mr. PatoD, the owner, was insured in the v ew Zealand Insurance Company's office for £400. It is supposed that the fire was caused by a spark from the engine lodging in the dry grain of one of the stacks.

Mr. Morgan Davis, a well-to-do settler, residing about two miles past Tararu on the Taupu Road, sustained a severe loss on the 19th February, through a fire which totally destroyed his four-rooraed house and furniture. It appears that Mr. Davis and his wife retired to rest early on Tuesday night, leaving some embers in the kitchen fireplace, and three or four hours later were awakened by a smell of fire and a fierce crackling, and discovered the rear portion of the house to be a mass of flames, which quickly spread to the front. The fire inide such progress that the uccupants were uuablo to save anything beyond a few blankets, The building, which was nicely furnished, and contained a quantity of provisions, was not insured, and Mr. Davis estimates his loss at about £250.

The lire at Thames on Feb. 2 destroyed Mrs. Campbell's house and store, a cottage occupied by Mr. Hugh Fislit-r, blacksmith, also a cottage occupied by a rnaa named O'Neill. A small cottage, occupied by a miner named Glasson, was pulled down to arrest the ilames. The fire originated in Mrs. Campbell's shop. Herself, child, and servant girl narrowly cscaped with their lives. The st >re was insured in the Norwich Union for £250. Mr. Campbell loses £25 which he had in the house at the time of the fire.