OLD HOMESTEAD BURNT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 115, 17 May 1930, Page 10

OLD HOMESTEAD BURNT

PALMERSTON NORTH BLAZE HOUSE RAZED TO THE GROUND [ Per Preoß Association ] PALMERSTON N., Alay 16. One of the oldest and largest homes in the vicinity of Palmerston North was totally destroyed by fire late this afternoon when a 22-roomcd residence lately occupied by Air W- 1. Lovelock at Awapuni was razed to the ground. The house was unoccupied at the time, as Air Lovelock had lately exchanged with Air A. C. Candy, of Gisborne, who had not taken possessionAn elderly curetaker named Green, was in charge, but he also was absent, at the time of the fire which is believed to have started in the office and fanned by a breeze spread rapidly. The Palmerston North Fire Brigade was powerless to assist as the house was outside the borough boundary. Fortunately all the furniture was re moved excepting the billiard table and two valuable pictures belonging to Air Lovelock.

Although no definite figures arc available it is believed that the insurance on the building was in the vicinity of £3OOO. The house was situated in fine grounds and surrounded by large trees, some of which caughb alight The country was lit up for a considerable distance round by the glare, which was plainly visible in town.