LARGE HOUSE BURNED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21098, 4 February 1932, Page 10

LARGE HOUSE BURNED.

OLD HOWICK BUILDING.

ORIGINALLY A HOTEL.

PREMISES NOT OCCUPIED.

A spectacular fire at Howick late last night resulted in the destruction of one of the oldest buildings in the district, a two-storcy wooden house containing 10 rooms and situated in Wellington fetreet, near the Domain, the old part of the township. The building, which had been unoccupied for some years, v/as originally the Shamrock and Thistle Hotel, one of three hotels in that vicinity in the old soldier days, and was built in the early sixties.

Tho alarm was given at about 11.30 o'clock by a neighbour who saw flames coming from the back of tho building. The Howick Fire Brigade made a great attempt to save the building, but the flames, fanned by a strong wind, had such a strong hold that their efforts were unavailing. The old timber burned fiercely arid the building was soon destroyed. The fire attracted a largo crowd of -spectators from tho township and district.

MANGERE HOUSE DESTROYED.

ABSENCE OF OCCUPIERS.

A five-roomed wooden house at 10, Kenwood Road, Mangere, owned and occupied by Mr. Andrew McLarnon, was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. The contents of the house were also lost, the family being absent at the time. Ihey had left early in the morning to visit friends in the country.

A neighbour noticed smoke issuing from the house shortly after 2 p.m., and on investigating found the back portion of the house on fire. The Otahuhu brigade was summoned, but as the district is not reticulated, it had to draw its supply ftom the house tank, and this was insufficient. When that supply was exhausted, the fire spread rapidly and the house was quickly destroyed. The insurances arc not available.

AWAKENED BY SMOKE

FAMILY'S HURRIED ESCAPE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ]

WHANGAREI, Wednesday

A hurried escape from their burning house was made by Mr. George Peai-son and his family, of Austin Road, Maunu, at about 1.30 this morning. The house was destroyed, and only a few personal effects were saved. The property is owned by Mrs. V. A. Murphy, of Auckland.

The family had retired at about 9 o'clock last evening, and were awakened bv the smoke, "to find the kitchen on fire. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson and their three children escaped in their night attire. The cause of the fire is unknown. The furniture was insured the State Office for £2OO, tire value of the furniture beiug estimated at £330. The house was insured for £6OO and was valued at £9OO.

MERCURY BAY DWELLING.

DESTRUCTION OF BUILDING

A four-roomed house at Whenualcite, Mercury Bay, was destroyed by fire on Monday night. The building was the property of Mr. H. H. Brittain, and was occupied by Mr. R. W. Aubrey, whose personal effects were insured with the New Zealand Office for £7O.