RICCARTON LANDMARK DESTROYED BY FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18547, 22 August 1928, Page 9

RICCARTON LANDMARK DESTROYED BY FIRE.

OLD HOUSE PROVIDES SPECTACULAR BLAZE.

Fire last night almost destroyed one of the oldest houses in Riccarton. The building was a two-storeyed one, comprising nine rooms and was situated at the corner of Riccarton Road and Matipo Street. The building was owned by the trustees in the Henry’s estate and was occupied by Mr W. Henry. Some people passing by shortly before eleven o’clock observed smoke issuing from the house. As the}* could find no one at home they called the City Fire Brigade. By the time the brigade arrived tbe fire had a good hold, and was beyond saving. Ilighprcssure water was not available and the engine had to pump the water from a creek two hundred yards away. The origin of the fire is unknown. The contents were insured for £2OO in the Victoria office. The insurance on the building could not be ascertained today. An old resident stated to a reporter that the house, one of the oldest on the Riccarton Road, had been standing for between sixty and seventy years.. It is stated that the building was used as a brewery in the early days.