CHILD GIVES ALARM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 14

CHILD GIVES ALARM.

HOUSE AND SHOP. BURNED.

HURRIED ESCAPE OF FAMILY.

ONLY CASH REGISTER SAVED. Awakened by tho screams of their small boy, Mr. and Mrs. M. Itavlick, the occupants of a bungalow adjoining a block of three shops in Richardson Road, Mount Albert, made a hurried escape with their sou when tho building was found to bo in flames al about five o'clock yesterday morning. So strong was the hold of Iho fire that tho family was unablo to save anything, leaving in night attire. Tho r.oiso of tho flames had apparently roused Mr. Ravlick's son. Tho boy, who is about seven years of age, got up and ran to the kitchen, from which his screams upon finding tho room in llamas roused his parents. Leaving his room, Mi'. Itavlick fouud the passage filled with smoke. After seeing that his wife and child were safe Mr. Ravlick ran into his shop, which adjoins the house, and threw tho cash register through a door to safety. He was unablo to save any of the books owing to tho heat and smoke, but the register contained about £SO in cash and cheques.

Tho nearest telephone was soino distanco away, but tho Mount Albert Fire Brigado arrived quickly. By this time the flames had secured a firm hold in tho bungalow and the efforts of the brigado were practically confined to saving the shops. One of these was occupied by Mr. W. D. Weller, butcher, and tho other was empty. The concrete walls prevented these from being damaged, but Mr. Ravlick's grocery shop was damaged extensively, and tho stock is a total loss.

While «udeavouring to save the books from the office a member of tho brigade, Mr. R. Sparks, sustained severe burns on the hands, necessitating first-aid attention.

Tho insurance on Mr. Ravlick's stock was £3OO in the South British Office. He states his loss in this respect will be considerable, since he estimates that the stock was worth £7OO. The building was insured for £IOOO in the same office. The shop occupied by Mr. Weller escaped damage. The furniture in the bungalow was not insured and nothing of the family's personal belongings was saved.