VALUABLE PROPERTY DESTROYED BY FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 5

VALUABLE PROPERTY DESTROYED BY FIRE.

NO WATER AVAILABLE TO QUELL THE BLAZE.

Fire in the early hours of yesterday morning destroyed a nine-roomed twostoreyed house in Murray Aynsley Terrace, Hillsborough, the property of Mr W. S. Newburgh. The house was closed at the time, Mr Newburgh and family being away on holiday, and as the district is outside the Fire Board area, nothing could be done to save the property.

The fire was discovered by a neighbout at 2.30 o’clock. Attempts to get in touch with Mr Newburgh on the telephone were unavailing, but finally his brother, Mr T. Newburgh, of Sumner, was communicated with, and he soon arrived on the scene. As the flames had secured a good hold, and there were no facilities for pumping water from the river, nothing could be done to save the house, but a band of volunteers, with the aid of garden hoses, prevented the flames spreading to the garage. The dwelling and contents were covered by insurance, but it is understood that Mr Newburgh will be a loser by a considerable amount. The house, which was built eight years ago, was formerly owned by Mr A. K. England.