FIRE IN UPPER GLADSTONE ROAD.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 439, 11 June 1902, Page 2

FIRE IN UPPER GLADSTONE ROAD.

MR W. MoKINLEY BURNT OUT,

INMATES HAVE NARROW ESCAPE.

Shortly before four o’clock this morning, an alarm of fire was rung out, and what appeared to be a very extensive fire was observed to be in progress at the upper end of the town It was the residence of Mr William McKinley, the'well-known and muchrespected mail contractor. The members or the family, had a very narrow escape.

Their first intimation of the fire was a sense of stifling from the fumes which awoke Mr and Mrs McKinley, and they in turn awoke the rest of the household. .When the Times representative arrived on the scene the family were gathered beneath the trees—they, had only managed to escape in what scanty garments could be obtained in a very hurried exit. .When aroused, Mr and Mrs McKinley with all speed possible got the children out to a place of safety, and the sons also gave their assistance. This had barely been accomplished, when the flames in strong force, swept through the passage of thehouse, and nothing could be done in the way of saving furniture or clo tiling. Mr C. F. Lewis and other friends on the scene busied themselves in getting clothing for the protection of the ladies from the cold until they could get shelter. That, fortunately, was soon obta liable, for Mrs Partington, the nearest neighbor, got on a big fire, and homeless ones were soon made comfortable, “We saved the little pram, said the child, and the fact was that that included nearly all that was got out, though it was fortunate that no life was lost, or injury sustained, the escape from the burning building being such a narrow one.

The house was a six-roomed one, the agent being Mr Lawless. The occupants of the house were Mr and Mrs McKinley, their two sons Messrs William and Fred McKinley and Misses Winnie, Ethel, May, and Elsie McKinley. Much sympathy will be felt for Mr McKinley in his loss. The mail coaches were all kept some distance from the house, and were not in any great danger. Though the fire occurred at such an early hour, there were a large number of spectators', but no assistance could rendered.

Some members of the Fire Brigade arrived very promptly after the alarm was given.

The insurances were not ascertainable this morning. Mr McKinley will ha a heavy loser.