MARTON JUNCTION HOUSE DAMAGED BY FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 94, 24 April 1946, Page 2

MARTON JUNCTION HOUSE DAMAGED BY FIRE

(0.C.) Marton, April 23. A seven-roomed wooden house, occupied by Mrs. L. Slight and her son at Marton June ion, was rather extensively damaged by fire at 5 o’clock this evening. I. was fortunate that the breeze was coming from a southeasterly direction, and not from the west, otherwise the house might have been destroyed. The home was empty at the time. Mrs. Slight was rut visiting, while her son was s ill at work. A neighbour, Mr. F. Eagle, was the first to notice flames and immediately raised the alarm. The Marton Fire Brigade was quickly on the scene, but the fire had a good hold, and .efforts were mainly concentrated in preventing the spread of the flames. Meanwhile, a host of voluntary helpers had gathered and wasted no lime in stripping the house of all clothing. furniture and effects, and placing them on the front lawn. The house was locked and it was necessary tc force an entry. When the lire had been brought under con.rol, the rear portion or leanto of the house, which comprised the kitchen and pantry, was completely gutted ano all that remained was a twisted mass of roofing iron and charred wood. It was impos ible to save any of the kitchen utensils, and thev were «r total loss. The remainder of the house received damage from water and scorching, but the rooms will be habitable. In the kitchen an electrical refrigerator and gas stove were totally destroyed.