FIRE AT MORNINGTON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15303, 17 November 1911, Page 6

FIRE AT MORNINGTON.

TWO HOUSES DESTROYED.

A firo originated in the four-roomed dwelling owned und occupied by Mr Edward Campbell, in William street, Momington, early yesterday morning, und owing to the absence of lire-lighting appliances the flames soon spread to the 10-roomod dwelling adjoining, belonging to Mrs A. E. lirile.v, situated in Clark street, both houses being completely destroyed.

Tho firo was first notiood by .Mrs Campbell about 2 o'clock, when who was awakened bv the noise of something falling. Owing to tho rapid spread of tho Homes the occupants had to make a hurried exit, only a few articles of clothing and furniture being saved. The house adjoining also caught lire, und despite the efforts of a small band of willing helpers nothing could bo done to save either dwelling. A piano, some pictures, and a few articles of clothing, etc., Wonging to .Mrs Brilcy, were got out of the house, but in both instances the loss to tho owners was practically complete. Mr and Mrs Canvpne i retired to bed between 10 and 11 o'clock the previous night, and left a tiro burning in the kitchen range, but beyond that fact nothing is known to account for the fire. Jlud there been lire appliances handy the second house might have ken saved, hut owing to tho lack cf anything of that description the onlookers were practically ]iowerless to stay the flames, and both dwellings were soon demolished.

The. insurance on Mrs Ilriley's house was £300, and the furniture was covered by £100, both pulieiiw being held by the State odico. Tile owner valued her houfo at £600 and her furniture at £3CO, so that her loes is a heavy one-'-omething like £500. Mr Campbell's house was injured for £150 in the Royal ofliw, and tho furniture was covered in tho Ijomkm and Liverpool and Globo ofiiec by n policy for £100. In all Ills I of a may be n*sc<;ed at £120-£3O on tho furniture and £100 on the house.