DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CLEYEDON, WAIROA SOUTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9032, 19 April 1888, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT CLEYEDON, WAIROA SOUTH.

Between 9 and 10 o'clock at night on Monday, the 16th instant, a new seven-roomed dwelling house and furniture, the property of Mr. George A. Wilson, was completely destroyed by fire. The house was recently built, and was unoccupied. One of the workmen, named George Atkins, was on the premises varnishing and painting up to C o'clock in the evening, and had been using a candle, and had also a fire in one of the chimneys during the day. This man says he is positive that everything was safe when he left the building, as he had a distinct recollection of putting out the candle and fire, and can in no way account for the fire. Mr. R. B. Waterton, a neighbour of Mr. Wilson's, had occasion to go to the Wairoa landing to meet the steamer, at 9 o'clock at night, and in passing Mr. Wilson's house at 8 o'clock he noticed a light in the house, but thought it might be Mr. Wilson or some of his people at work. Shortly afterwards the house was in a blaze, which was noticed by several of the settlers. With the high wind that was blowing at the time, everything was soon destroyed, nothing being saved. Mr. Wilson estimates his loss at £230 house £200, and furniture £30. Everything was uninsured. Very great sympathy is felt for Mr. Wilson for his great loss. Constable McKnight was in the district on Tuesday, making inquiries as to the origin of the fire.—[Own Correspondent. ]