FIRE AT SEAFIELD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 316, 11 April 1881, Page 2

FIRE AT SEAFIELD.

A most destructive fire occurred at Seafield yesterday, the dwelling-house of Mr Lavvry, of Norton Farm, with all its contents, being • completely destroyed. At the time the alarm was given the greater portion. of the residents of Seafield were assembled at the Wesleyan Church, at which place the Rev. W. Keall was conducting the Anniversary Services. About three o’clock the cry of “ Fire ” was heard, and it is needless to remark that the erstwhile devout worshippers were speedily dispersed, and all hastened with speed to the scene of the fire, which was within a few minutes’ walk of the church. The fire, however, had got such a strong hold of the building that all efforts were futile in the direction of saving the dwellinghouse of Mr La wry, but a detached store adjoining was with difficulty saved from the devouring element. Not a single article of furniture was got out of the building, and a quantity of money, amounting to over Lioo, which Mr Lawry intended to bank this morning, was lost in the fire. Mr Lawry, junior, with bis sister, were the only members of the family who were at home, Mr and Mrs Lawry at the time being on a visit to Springston. The fire is supposed to have originated in sparks issuing from the fireplace, but nothing definite is known. The house was insured in the London and Lancashire office for L2OO, and the furniture, in the same office for Lioo. Notwithstanding this, Mr Lawry will be a heavy loser, as not only the money mentioned above, but the books also, .' were destroyed. - ‘ -