BLAZE AT PUKEKURA

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3224, 27 May 1924, Page 4

BLAZE AT PUKEKURA

PRESUMABLY DEFECTIVE CHIMNEY. ONLY CLOTHES SAVED. It was rumoured in Ctunbridge on Saturday afternoon that a fire had occurred in the Pukekurn district and investigation proved the rumour all too true, the scene of the blaze being the two-storey residence of Mr J. Robinson, adjacent to the Pukekura factory. It. appears Mr Robinson was the only member of the family at home at the time of the outbreak, the remainder being away in Cambridge. A fire was burning in the grate in the sitting-room on the lower floor, and having replenished the fire with a small log, Mr Robinson went outside to saw some firewood. He had been out of the house about ten minutes when he noticed smoke issuing from the house near the chimney, but thought it had been blown down by the wind. Glancing at the house a little later, he was surprised to see smoke issuing from the side of the house and rushing inside found the house full of smoke and flames. Mi- Robinson had barely time to rush round and secure a few clothes ere the house was enveloped in flames, and no fire fighting appliances being available, could only watch the complete destruction of his home.

The building was a very old twostorey one of six rooms. The owner surmises that a defective chimney was the cause of the outbreak, as it was noticed afterwards that the log put. on the grate was still smouldering there. It was t l, ought at first that this might have fallen out. - With the destruction of their home the hospitality of neighbours was immediately extended to Mr and Mrs Robinson and family, who have been provided with temporary shelter.

As a result of the fire Mr and Mrs Tlobinson will be very heavy losers. Wo understand several very valuable silver trophies were among the treasures lost through the fire. The insurances were policies of £250 on the house and £250 on furniture and effects in the Government Insurance Office.