FIRES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15064, 10 February 1911, Page 5

FIRES

(Per United Press Association.') AUCKLAND, February 9. The Opotiki post and telegraph office was totally destroyed by fire yesterday. The postmaster saved the papers and fittings, but lost all the furniture and clothing which were in the dwelling. LADY FATALITiNJDRED. (I'er United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, February 9. . Early this morning the residence of Miss Dudley, at Rangiora, was destroyed by fire. The only occupants of the house were Miss Dudley (who is daughter of the late Archdeacon Dudley) and her niece. The barking of a terrier aroused Miss .Dudley, and she, went into the kitchen to see what was wrong, but on opening the door was overcome by smoke. Her niece managed to drag her out of the house, but Miss Dudley, who is advanced in years, was severely burned about the head and hands, and her condition is now rather serious. The house was built 50 years ago by the archdeacon, and was at one time one of the largest residences in North Canterbury. ■' Tlw library and a little of the furniture were saved. The insurances are not yet ascertainable. Miss Dudley succumbed from the effects of shock and burns this evening. The Fire Brigade received a call at 8.25 yesterday morning, and proceeded to the Leviathan "Hotel, where it was discovered that an explosion of gas had occurred while gas fitters were searching for a leak underneath the ceiling. Not much damage was done, and the outbreak was easily extinguished.

At 12.40 the brigade turned out again to extinguish a fire which was burning among rubbish dangerously close toMethven's foundiy on tihe Anderson's Bay road. This, too, was dealt with without difficulty.

A more serious outbreak occurred shortly after 6 o'clock in a, five or sixroomed house at the corner of Leith and Hanover streets, owned and cocupied by George Randall, painter. The fire apparently started in a bedroom, and the partition between it and the kitchen also caught fire. The ceiling was damaged, but tho brigade was able to exting.iLsh the flames with the chemical apparatus before they had gone very far. The houso is insured in the Sun office for £200, and the contents in the State office forlMkO: The extent of the damage ie estimated at £15 to £20.

Prevention i 3 bettor than cure. Be safo at all times by installing your premises with MAY-OATWAY FIRE ALARM. Automatic, in action, it never sleeps.— Office, Bond street,—Advt.