FIRES

Southland Times, Issue 17965, 5 March 1917, Page 3

FIRES

FIRE ON THE LAKE STEAMER MOUNTAINEER. The postal authorities were informed by the Postmaster at Queenstown last evening that the Lake steamer Mountaineer had been badly damaged by fire, and that the steamer Ben Lomond would take up her running. No further particulars were available last night. BLAZE AT TIHAKA. The Western Star reports that the five-roomed residence of Mr Lapham, Tihaka, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night and three of the children had a narrow escape. It would appear that Mrs Lapham was busy in the Kitchen, which is detached from the main building. up to 11 o’clock with jam-making, and the children went to thetr own room to bed, bnt the little one rose and proceeded to her mother’s room where she was wont to sleep. She took a lighted candle with her and, from what can bo gathered, placed it on a chair near the bed, and the high wind which was blowing at the time must have blown some of the drapery on to it. The first indication the mother got was when the child came out and said she did not set the house on fire. Mrs X-apbam rushed in, but the flames were by this time out in the passage. She immediately proceeded to the fnnt door which, fortunately, was unlocked, and with the greatest difficulty got. the other two children out. Both the kitchen and dairy were destroyed. The house was fully furnished, all of which was lost, besides a sum of money, a new sewing machine, bicycle, and separator, on which there was no insurance. The house was insured for only £IOO. Mr and Mrs Lapham will therefore be at a heavy loss, but they are thankful to have saved their children. The youngest was slightly burnt on the leg and head and the p* other's hands were scorched when rest' -ng the children.

ATTEMPT TO BURN DOWN A SCHOOL. PAHIATUA. March 3. An attempt at incendiarism at the Pahlatua High School was discovered. In a room in the main building books, papers, and rulers were removed from a table, then piled near a cupboard. The material was partially burned. Wooden matches were found on the floor, which was slightly scorched. The school was securely locked on the previous night.