HOMESTEAD IN ASHES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19505, 5 February 1926, Page 6

HOMESTEAD IN ASHES

BIG BLAZE DOG AROUSES HOUSEHOLD A well-known Spreydon (Christchurch) homestead was burned to the ground fet 1.30 a. in. on Tuesday. The house, a two-storeyed wooden building belonging to Air J. Johnston, was situated near the corner of Barrington and Milton Streets, and the fire reduced it virtually to a heap of ashes.

When ho went to bed Mr Johnston was sure everything was safe. He was awakened by his sister dalling out to him. She said there was something amiss outside or the dog would not be making such a fuss. Air Johnston listened and heard the dog, a fox terrier, running up and down past his window and barking loudly. At times the dog whined just under his window. On getting up Air Johnston became aware of smoke issuing through the door, which was ajar. He swung the door wide open and was met in the face by tongues of flame. Slamming the door he rushed to his little nephew who was sleeping soundly, and woke him. He thrust him through the window and jumped out after him. His sister rushed out by the front door. They were lucky in escaping with their lives.

It was hopeless to attempt to reenter the burning building to save (anything. The brigade was summoned, but the fire had taken complete hold over the house and its efforts wore of little avail.