SERIOUS LOSSES IN FIRE

Southland Times, Issue 23948, 14 October 1939, Page 4

SERIOUS LOSSES IN FIRE

OUTBREAK AT CENTRE BUSH

OUTBUILDINGS DESTROYED WITH CONTENTS

A stable and loft and an adjoining motor shed were totally destroyed by fire at Centre Bush early yesterday morning. A motor-car, a motor-cycle and bicycle, four tons of hay and other contents of the building were also destroyed. The property was owned by Mr J. A. Stewart, store keeper, of Centre Bush. Three tons of coal were also in the shed but much of this was saved by spraying water on it after the building had been demolished. Mr Stewart’s house was about 20 yards from the building and the family was awakened at 2.30 a.m. by the sound of the horn of the car, the fire apparently having caused a short circuit in the wiring. When members of the household rushed to the building the fire had a strong hold in the motor-shed and it was impossible to save the car, which was burning fiercely. A big crowd of residents gathered and a bucket brigade did effective work. A garage a few yards from the end of the stable, containing another car and a grocery van, although badly scorched, was saved. The car and van were mdved to safety. A washhouse at the other end of the building was badly charred but the flames were 'prevented from taking a good hold by the application of wet blankets and sacks.

The buildings destroyed were insured with the South British Insurance Company for £135 and the hay and contents of the -table were insured with the same company for £35. The car was insured for £6O with the South Island Motor Union. There was. no insurance on the motor-cycle, which was a fairly recent model.