FIRE AT RIWAKA.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14156, 19 April 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

FIRE AT RIWAKA.

HOP-KILN DESTROYED

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

(From "Tho Colonist," April 1.)

Shortly after 1 o'clock on Thursday morning, Mr Alex. McLean; who was Ramping just beside his hop-kiln afc Krwaka. was aroused by a roaring sound, and on looking out discovered that the kiln was on fire, the- flames even then pouring out of the cupola. A fed named Gabrielson, who was sleeping in a lean-to attached to the kitoi, was aroused only just in time to make his escape. Although willing workers soon arrived at the scene of the fire it spread too fast for '■•.hem to he-able to bo of much service, but seven Ijules of hops were saved. Much help was also rendered to keep the lire from destroying, the tents that were near by. The fire originated somewhere jn the. top ot tho kiln, but Mr McLean had no hops on at the time, and consequently no firo, and he has not been able to ascejv tain the causo of the outbreak. In addition to the loss of liods (11 bales •and dbout 2600 bushels on tl.je drying floor), Mr McLean has lost a k>t of valuable farm tools and a quantity of chaff, potatoes, and n«anure. Mr McLean had also a very fine press, the design of which had been made by the late Mr Chas., Pattie. It was the oniy one of-.-the kind in tho1 district. The destruction of the kiln was very rapid, for the whole place was reduced to ruins in about half an hour There was an insurance with the New Zealand Company, but it is understood that the 'loss is a very heavy one for Mr McLean.

Tlie Motuoka "Star" reports that the •'Dehra Doon" homestead at Iliwaka, containing ten rooms, was destroyed by fire on Monday afternoon. The buHci'injjc, which was very old, was formerly tho, residence of the late Colonel Thomas, and was occupied by relatives. The greater part of the furniture was saved.