FIRE IN HERBERT STREET

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 582, 28 November 1902, Page 2

FIRE IN HERBERT STREET

About twelve o’clock last evening the upper Gladstone road firebell rang out an alarm, which was at onco taken up by tho town bell. The tire proved to bo iu a fiveroomed cottage in Herbert street, owned and occupied by Mr W. Wallon, a porter at tho hospital. It lmd a good hold when discovered, and although tho Brigade, under Superintendent Townley, were quickly on tho spot, they were unable to save tho dwelling. There was no one in the houso at tho time of tho fire. The owner, Mr Wallon, was at tho Hospital, and his wifo and family wero away in Auckland on a visit. Constable Hancox was ono of the first to reach tho fire, and ho sent a messago to tho Hospital informing the owner of his loss. Mr Wallon, on soeing the fire, gave way to great grief, and finally hud to bo taken away by neighbors. It appears that ho was at the houso early in tho afternoon, and when he left there was no sign of fire. One of the first to see the fire was Mr Hugh Heany, and being under tho impression that sotneono was inside, he broke ono of tho windows in with his hand, severely cutting his uruj, and injuring it to such an extent that medical assistance had to bo sent for. Dr. Fisher arrived promptly and attended to tho patient.

Tho house and furnituro was insured in tho Law Union and Crown office (Mr C. F. Lewis agent) for tho sum of £225. Sergeant Siddells and a number of tho polico force wero present, and there was also a large crowd of spectators.