FIRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9252, 3 June 1908, Page 3

FIRES.

[Per Press Association^ NELSON, June 3. About 9.30 last night "The Beacons," a nine-roomed residence at the foot of Britannia Heights, the Port, occupied by Mr Colin Campbell and family, ancl owned by Richardson's estate, was destroyed by fire. This makes the third fire at the Port in ten days. Mrs Campbell and her niece were in the houso at i.o urne, the others being away at a concert in town. Mysteriously, a garden hose, which had been connected earlier in the evening, was found disconnected, consequently there was no means of checking the spread of the flames, which broke out in the drawing-room some time before the fire alarm was received in town, and as the water-supply pressure was inadequate, little could be dene to cave the place. Some furniture was rescued, but tho loss is considerable. Incendiarism is suspected in regard to the three recent fires, but there is no evidence j beyond conjecture. Tlie furniture was I insured for £400 in the Northern Of- j fi.ee, i and the houso was also insured, but the details are not available owing I to the holiday. OAMARU, June 3. A fire this morning destroyed a fourroomed house occupied by a baker and his family named Burridge, and owned j by the DalKoll trustees. The fire had a strong hold when discovered, and tho occupants were forced to make their exit through the bedroom window, scantily dressed. Nothing was saved. The insurances are: — On the house £200, and on the furniture £100, both ,in the London > and La ncashire and Globe Office.