SERIOUS FIRE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8364, 26 February 1913, Page 7

SERIOUS FIRE

HOUSE BADLY DAMAGED IN HILL STREET. At about a quarter-past II lasi night a fire was discovered in the house of Mr William Simm, 99, Hill street. Mr Simm, who is manager ot the 'D.1.0., was the only occupant of tho house —a nine-roomed one. Mrs Simm is away at Napier, and the servant is staying with Mrs Simm’s sister. Tho outbreak was first noticed by Mr Simm on his return from a friend’s house. 'When he left the place at 8-30 o’clock there was no sign of fire whatever. Electric light is the only illnminant used, but yesterday afternoon, the gas stove had been burning. On Mr Simm opening the back door upon his return, he found the kitchen a mass of flamo. He immediately gave the alarm, but by the time the brigade had arrived tho fire had secured a strong hold, the bhwo having spread very rapidly. . _ Mr Simm had only been in occupation of tho house for about two months. His library was a valuable one, comprising volumes which ho had collected for over twenty years. These books were valued at between £4OO and £SOO, but fortunately not many of them were burned, more damage being caused by water than by fire. The whole of tho back portion of the dwelling was badly burned, the rest of the house being scorched considerably. It is thought that tho lire originated under the stairs, but tho cause is a mystery. Tho flames caught the stairs, and then rapidly enveloped other parts of the place. All the doors were locked before Mr Simm went away. The house is owned by Mr A. Hall, and is insured in the. Commercial Union office for about £950. There is a risk for £750 on, tho contents in the National office.