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Otago Witness, Issue 1582, 18 March 1882, Page 13

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(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) March 13th.

Mr R. G. M'Kenzie's dwelling-house of four rooms was totally consumed by fire at 9.30 o'clock this morning. Tho fire was accidentally caused by Mr Irvine heating tar hi a tin over the fire in the kitchen. The tar was allowed to overheat and take fire, and the fact was not observed until a dense smoke was Been to be issuing from the chimney. Some 20 men wero quickly on the spot, but auch was the heat and rapid spread of the fire thac little could be rescued from the names. Mr M'Kenzie had only left the house about five minutes when his attention was called to the fire by some men engaged harvesting for a neighbouring farmer. He and' they made all haste to the scene, and found the place in possession of the fiery element. Fortunately all the children — seven, I believe— were rescued, including an afflicted daughter, the latter being saved with some difficulty. It appears Mr Irvine, who is occupied upon a contract for the formation of a piece of road fronting Mr M'Kenzie's property, two miles eastward of Fortroee, had placed the tar over the fire of the kitchen, and, seeing very little fire, had left it unattended, but it had quickly overheated and ignited. He rushed into the kitchen, and took the tin from the fire, but between the excitemont and the heat of the handle let the utensil fall, and the tar spreading rapidly over the floor, the whole place was quickly in flames. AH clothing, bedding, furniture, and valuables wero consumed, including private and valuable documents. Sincere sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs M'Kenzie, and many offers of good-will have been made them in respect to temporary shelter and other necessary assistance, but Mr M'Kenzie being one of the oldest and a very successful settlor, I am glad to say he is not very distreßsed over his loss, although a rough calculation shows it to be upwards of £150, with no insurance.