FIRES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13351, 8 April 1914, Page 3

FIRES.

A six-roomed well-built kauri house m Mangapapa, owned - and occupied by Mr E. E. Somervell, took fire about 11.35 last night, and was totally destroyed. Mr and Mrs Somervell returned about 11 o'clock, and later Mr Somervell was awakened, and, smelling something burning, ho went to investigate. He found the kitclien ablate, and after removing Mrs Somervell and the child to a place of safety, assisted by several persons who had m tlie meantime assembled, he managed to remove a few articles of furniture, tome clothing, and a piano. The flames, fanned by a steady wind, rapidly had complete mastery of the building, which was only about three years old. Mr Somervell and family, who m a few days were about to move into another residence, are h«avy losers, a valuable collection of wedding presents and articles of furniture having been burned. The house waa insured for £400 and the furniture for £200, with the Yorkshire Insurance Company, but Mr Somervell estimates his loss at between £200 and £300 above that amount. A six-roomed dwelling situated m the old part of the township at Tokomaru Bay was destroyed by fire last night. It waa owned by Wi Potae, and occupied by Mr Hugh Paterson and family The occupants had to make a hurried escape m their night attire, being aroused by the noise caused by the fire, which had a strong hold. Nothing was saved from the building, which was uninsured. Mr Paterson had £100 insurance on his furniture and effect*?', m the South British office. Last nitrht Mrs Paterson had been engaged ironing; m the kitchen, but as she left the irons safely on the range, no reason can be given for the outbreak.