BLAZE ON THE HILLS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 151, 1 August 1914, Page 11

BLAZE ON THE HILLS.

RESIDENCE COMPLETELY DESTROYED. The Cashmere Hills were illuminate'd about five o'clock this morning, the cause beiag a fire in the house occupied by Dr Terras Bell and his family. The house, with nearly all its contents, was completely destroyed. Dr Bell, with Mrs Bell and the two young, children, got .out safely, with only a few articles of clothing, which they managed to secure before fleeing from the burning building. It is not known how the fire originated, but it started in one of- the sleeping balconies. The residence was of the, popular modern type, which distinguishes the Cashmere Hills settlement. The fire had a firm hold when discovered, ajid though a number of the Hills residents were early on the scene, they could do nothing except look, on, while the fire completed its destructive work.

The house was owned by Mr C. E. Bcvau Brown, headmaster of the Boys' High -School, who formerly resided in it. He let it furnished a few years ago to Br Bell. Dr Bell lost his books and a quantity of furniture, on which he had no insurance.

The furniture and piano were insured by Mr Bcvan Brown with the Norwich Union for £;J00, and the biiilding with the United Insurance Co. for £I2OO.

There were no fire-fighting appliances on the Hills, alid the occurrence will probably stimulate the proposal, made some time ago by Mr W. K. Broadway, that a fire brigade should be formed for the Hills residential area.