FIRE AT WAITUI.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1513, 16 November 1886, Page 3

FIRE AT WAITUI.

At midnight on Saturday last, Waitin', the residence of Mr A. Maadonald had an exceedingly narrow escape from being totally deatroyed by fire. It appears that shortly before the hour named the inmates of the house had retired to rest, and about twelve o’clock Mrs Macdonald was disturbed by the loud noise made by the wind which had just risen. Thinking that perhaps one of the doors had been left open she came down stairs to see, when her attention was attracted by a bright glare from the rear of the building. The alarm wss given immediately, and everybody on the premises was speedily aroused. Fortunately thsre were some gentlemen visitors staying at the house and these, with the ladies and servants of the household worked hard to save the building. The fire bftd originated in a large packing case outside, where the kerosene, etc., was kept, and adjoining the dairy. Fortunately the wind was from the north-west and the flames were thereby driven against the brick wall of the dairy. Had it been a sou’-wsst wind it would have been impossible to save tlse building. As It was, the fire only succeeded in getting inside tlje dairy, thp rqof of which was destroyed. Tht*t the main building should have escaped is marvellous, as the wind was so high as to carry the sparks right across the yard and sit fire to the high fence on the opposite side. Howerer, by the united and d*' termined efforts of elevea persons, five of whom were ladies, the fire was after abo ( ut an hpur’s bard work overcomeWhoa all forked sp wpll It is invidious to mentipn names, but certainly a special werd of praise is dup to Min Macdonald for the heifpic pgrt she took in fighting the fiamee, This young lady Was one of the first aroused, and instantly ran to the pump and gettting two large tuts into position soon had them filled with water. During the whole time that the fire was raging she continued at her post and kept nine, persons fully supplied with fatjap/thus showing a grit and determination that might with profit be' emulated by many of the stronger sex. Fortunately the dimage done is not very great, thanks to the number of willing hands present. How the fire originated is a mystery.