MYSTERIOUS FIRE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16873, 9 February 1929, Page 14

MYSTERIOUS FIRE

Mystery is attached to an averted outbreak of fire at Kumara at the residence of Mrs. Hamer, sen., which was first noticed by Mr. Walter Evenden, his attention being attracted by the glare accompanied by a strong smell of burning. He gave the alarm, and, with assistance, managed to quench the fivo before it had established a firm hold. As it was the building was filled with smoke, and it needed only a few minutes longer when the only occupant, Mrs. llnmer, must have been suffocated, as she was in a deep sleep when found. There bad been no fire in the house since 8 o’clock in the morning, and Mrs. Hamer had retired to bed while it was still daylight. Later on, as it has been the custom, Mr. and Mrs. Hamer, jun., paid a visit to the house to see that everything was all right. There was then no sign of anything amiss. When they loft the outside gate was chained and bolted, but when entry was made by Mr. Evenden the fastenings in the gate had been removed. The discovery was providential, fur had it not been noticed the chances are that not. only would all the buildings in the block have been destroyed, but the old lady would have perished