Serious Fires.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 7, Issue 9, 31 January 1896, Page 2

Serious Fires.

Otf Weliesday evening hit about ten o’clock the residents of Hiveloek wore startled by cries of “Fire!” and the sound oftheschosl bell being rung very violently, when it was ascertained that Mrs Hennessy’s dwell n j-housc was on fire. It appears that th -as of the children were in bed when the eldest of thsn—Nelly—smelt fire, and then, hearing something fall, she jumped out of bed, to find the front room all m flames. She im nediately got her sister out, and then ran ups airs to waken her brother, being only just in ti ne, for the flames were coming through the floor. Messrs Grange, C. H omann and other willing hands were soon on the spot and worked very hard removing the furniture, some of them even carrying oat articles which were alight, but there was no time to save much. The whole premises, including a bake-house, which they had just let to Mr Simnoads, fron Blenheim, was son destroyed, and, as a gale of wind was blowing at the time, it necessitated everyone, especially Mr George Pope (who close by), watching their own places, for, during the fearful gusts of wind, not only sparks but large fl ikes of burning wood the size of one's hand were carried whrlmg aloft in the air for many chains. Mr Congdon’s, Mrs Webb’s, Mr Mitchell's, and the Mississippi Villa, besides other buildings, were all on fire at different times, and were only saved through continual w..t ehf ilness. Fortunately. the wind dropped and a good shower of rain fell which checked the fire spreading farther. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs ’ Hennessy, who has lost a life's gathering in a few minutes, for there was not one penny of insurance on the home or furniture. We hear there is to be a subscription list opened, as well as an entertainment given later on, and we feel sure everyone will cheerfully give their mite to assist a woman who has always been so obliging to everyone needing her services, Tnis is another striking instance for the necessity of a prov.ding a good water supply or suitable appl.ances for extinguishing fires, Mr H. G. Bell’s flaxmdl at Waihopai was completely destroyed by fire at nson on Moniry last. Toe fire was caused by a spark from the engine igniting a quantity of tow near the se’.tcier. All the machinery n the mill and one bale of flax was burned, but the rope-w rks were saved. There was no insurance (n the property, and Mr Bell estimes his b s at /i.ooo.