A TOTAL LOSS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12753, 24 September 1919, Page 8

A TOTAL LOSS.

FIRE AT RICCARTON. SIX-ROOMED HOUSE DESTROYED. Peculiarly unfortunate circumstances are associated with a fire wldch occurred at Riccarton this morning, resulting in the total destruction of a modern six-roomed house, situated at No. 63, Picton Avenue. The house had onlv recently been purchased hv the present owner, Mr W. D. Flute, and the occupiers. Mr and Mrs Banton, had arranged for an auction sale of their furniture to take place on Monday next. As far as can be ascertained, the fire broke out in the kitchen shortly after two o'clock, and it had obtained a good hold before the occupants were wakened by the smoke. Mrs Banton, who is an invalid, was quite helydess, and it was only with great difficulty that she could be rescued. She had to bo lifted on to an invalid chair, and then wheeled through the burning passageway to safety. None of tl\e occupants managed to save much of their clothing, although attempts were made by the neighbours to save as much as possible. Riccarton is in the position of having absolutely no fire protection, and although the city brigade was communicated with the officials stated that thev had no power to go out. Fortunately a creek runs through the ground in front of the house, and helpers formed bucket queues and successfully saved the next door house from catching fire. The ouly portion of the furniture saved was some which had been stored in a room at the front of the house.