FIRE IN MASTERTON

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 58, 2 December 1926, Page 6

FIRE IN MASTERTON

QUICK WORK BY BRIGADE. Masterton, December 1. A six-rooineu wooueu house in King Edward Street, owned and occupied by Hedley James Chestertuau, a motor driver on the’ stall of Levin and Co., was totally gutted by fire tins evening Mr. and Airs. Chestermau and their family were home at the time, and how the fire came to obtain such a strong bold before it was noticed is a mystery. The fire apparently started m one of the back corners of the house, and fanned, no doubt, from a draught through the mam passage, spread with lightning rapidity. When first observed the flames were spreading to at least hall of the building, and dense columns of smoke were belching through the roof before the brigade arrived. Fortunately there was no wind, aud as the neighbouring houses were in no immediate danger the firemen were able to confine their attention to the blazing house. The new water supply responded with a generous pressure, aud was responsible for the outbreak being checked within fifteen minutes, but not before the entire interior of the structure had been gutted. Several neighbours wtio arrived on the scene before the brigade were successful in removing to safety considerable quantities of clothing and linen, and many articeles of furniture, linen, and many articles of furniture. That which remained in the house was stroyed.

Later details show that Chesterman was heating a spirit stain in a tin which melted, tlie spirit content of the stain igniting. The house, being built of heart totara, ignited quickly, and before the alarm could be given the flames had a strong hold. The insurances were, on the house £6OO, on the contents £3OO

Be prepared. See that vou have adequate fire insurance Consult the Met cantile and General Insurance Co-. Ltd., Panama , Street. Wellington — Advt-