FIRE ON OKOKE ROAD

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1934, Page 9

FIRE ON OKOKE ROAD

SIX-ROOMED HOUSE GUTTED. PROPERTY OF BLUNDELL ESTATE. Starting from a spark from the kitchen range, fire completely destroyed a six-roomed wooden dwelling on Okoke Road, about five miles from Urenui, on Tuesday evening. The house was the property of the Blundell Estate and was occupied by the manager, Mr. S.i L. West. Only a few effects were saved. Mr. West was milking at the time the fire started, and it was first noticed by Mrs. Redshaw, the housekeeper, who was in the vicinity. . The milking shed is some distance from. the house, which stood on the crest ,of a hill, and by the time the men on the estate arrived the fire had a good hold. Mrs. Redshaw in an endeavour to save as much as possible, dashed into the kitchen, where the fire started, and found the ceiling boards already burnt away. There, was no water supply available, and though some bedding was saved, the fire gradually gained a hold and could only be watched as it devoured the house. In saving some bedding Mr. Best picked up the mattress from his bed and after carrying it outside discovered that he> had also brought out his overcoat, in which had been placed a good sum of money. . Mrs. Redshaw lost some furniture, in-, eluding a piano,, in the blaze, but . her loss was covered by insurance for £l7O. Mr. West’s furniture was 'uninsured. The house was insured in the State Fire Office.