FIRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6215, 1 August 1898, Page 3

FIRES.

A four-roomed cottage in Sfc Asaph Street west, owned by Mr C. Louisson, and occupied by Mr Hickenbotham, caught fire shortly before four o'clock this morning, and was burned down. Four engines were promptly on the ground, the two chemicals arriving first, but the fire had got too strong a hold for any hope of success. The Deluge, pumping its water from Aulsebrook's tank, remained to put out the embers. Mrs Hickenbotham, before the fire broke out, had been engaged in procuring a hot drink for a child who was unwell. Mr Hickenbotham was roused from sleep by the noise of something falling, and on opening the bedroom door found the house full of fire and smoke. The firemen caved a little of the furniture, which was insured for .£IOO. The house was insured for .£2OO in the Norwich Union. It is conjectured that the fire was caused by the ignition of kindling wood, which had been left on the fender to dry. An escape from what might have been a serious fire occurred on Saturday. The mantel drape of a house in Colombo Street, Sydenham, occupied by Mr Jewell, who is employed in Messrs Beath and Co's establish uient, took fire. The mantel piece and wall paper were burned, but the lath and plaster wall prevented the fire from spreading. Mrs Jewell has been confined to her bed since with the shock. Both house and furniture were insured in the Manchester Office.