A SERIOUS FIRE ON BOROUGH COUNCIL PROPERTY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17241, 20 March 1918, Page 5

A SERIOUS FIRE ON BOROUGH COUNCIL PROPERTY.

CARETAKER'S COTTAGH DESTROYED.

TRYING EXPERIENCE OF THE

FAMILY

DESTRUCTION OF A WOOLSHED

ROADMEN'S HEA.VY LOSSES

While the fiery elements were licking up everything consumible v.i tho AVainnirino district, a sea o£ lire swept over Okehu, and as a result oi the damage caused, Wanga'nui's water supply is seriously menaced. Early yesterday morning Mr. Staveley, Borough Engineer, received, word tnat a serious ure liatj visiieii "Okehu and that the water woms were in danger, and in consequence iho lost no time in proceeding to the scene of ccntiagrai.on. ijuere ne discovered that the fire had started some distance beyond the water|shed, and- he travelled across the ! Borough Council's property. In its jfiery track it had consumer tiie caretaker's house, and had done considerable damage to the plantation I and fences on the laud.

From particulars gathered it appears J that at ahout 11 o'clock on Monday night it was noticed that the track of the blaze lay in the direction of Waitahinga, the locale o£ tte caretaker's residence. The caretaker, Mr. Knudson, and Mr. McHulloch, roaa contractor, assisted by his men, did all they possibly could to arrest the progress of the fire, and save the Council's property. They were able -to save the outbuildings, but the cottage was completely destroyed at about 6 o'clock in the morning.

Mr. Knudson, Mrs. Knudson and daughter had a very trying experience; in fact, Mrs. and Miss Knudson had to remain in a road cutting for safety for fully three hours. They lost all their belongings, and were unable to save any of their household furniture.

The workmen camped near by lost their swags and all their effects.

The property opposite, a woolshed belonging to Mr. T. Moore, and a great quantity of fencing was completely destroyed.

OTHER PROPERTIES IN DANGER

The safety of the other properties is feared, as the fire was still raging fiercely when Mr. Staveley anrt Mr. Knudson returned to Wanganui yesterday afternoon.

The Council had an Insurance policy on tl:e cottage for £150, and Mr. Kuudson had his furniture insured for £75. He estimates his loss at £200 above the insurance.