DESTRUCTION BY FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19833, 31 December 1927, Page 8

DESTRUCTION BY FIRE.

TRAINER'S HOME &URNED.

MOTORISTS FIGHT FLAMES.

A six-roomed house was destroyed by fire in Coronation Road, Mangere, last evening. There was no fir 3 brigade within call, and no water supply was available. f The house was owned by Mrs. Thurston, and occupied by Mr. S. Groat, a trainer o! trotting horses, and his family, who were away at the time. The alarm was given at 10.30 o'clock. The outbreak apparently originated in the kitchen, and one corner of the building was blazing when a motorist on his way from the city arrived. Aided hy another motorist he began to attack the flames with water from three tanks that stood at one' side of the house. They attempted to enter the bnilding, but were driven back by the smoke. However, they were able to save some bedclothes and a little furniture. Realising the main building could not be saved, the volunteer fire-fighters, swelled to the number of six, concentrated their efforts on saving a shed, containing a wash-house,, bathroom and small bedroom, separated from the house by a narrow alley containing the tanks. Working in a confined space, in intense heat, they finally succeeded, although the walls were charred and blackened and one tank crashed to the ground when its staging was burned through. Only two tall brick chimneys we e lef£ of the house. The rest was a glowing heap of ashes, and twisted she its of iron. The first intimation of the fire which reached Mr. Groat was the sight c>:* his home in ruins. He had occupied the house, which was a fairly old one, for three years. FARM HOMESTEAD 3AZED. BUILDING AT MARAMARUA. [by telegraph.—own correspondent.'! PUKEKOHE, Friday. A farm homestead of eight rooms at Maramarua, in the Pokeno district, was destroyed by fire shortly after one o'clock this afternoon. It was owned by Mr, William Heaven, of Birdwood Avenue, Papatoetoe, and occupied by Mr* Andrew Gray. The house, which was valued at £1250, was insured for £6OO in the South British Office. Mr. Gray had a policy for £IOO in the Northern Office on his furniture.