FIRE IN CHILDERS ROAD.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 823, 11 February 1903, Page 2

FIRE IN CHILDERS ROAD.

Shortly before seven o’clock last evening a six-roomed dwelling, owned by Mrs W. King, of Makauri, and occupied by Mr John S. Smith, a tailor in the employ of Mr Zacbariab, was burned to the ground. Mrs Smith and family at the time wore having tea at the house of Mr Haughton, which is next door to their own. On going outside after toa Mr Haughton saw the adjoining house cn fire, and he at once gave the alarm. Mr Luttrell ami other residents in the vicinity were soon on the scene, but the fire had such a, strong hold that nothing could be done to savo the building, and only a very few articles of furniture could be saved, It appears that Mrs King, who owns the house, bad made arrangements to occupy two of tho rooms, and with this end in view, a quantity of household goods, including curtains and a couple of boxeß of silver, had beeu sent in from Makauri. Men had also been employed yesterday layiDg the linoloum in the front rooms. Mrs Smith was successful in saving a few of Mrs King’s goods, but the most valuable portion was destroyed. The Fire Brigade was early on the Beene, but the fire had such a strong hold that nothing could be done, and the only good tho Brigade could accomplish was to prevent the fire from spreading to tho adjoining buildings. The furniture was insured in the Law, Crown and Union Office for £IOO, and the house in tho same office. The catsso of the firo is unknown. A small fire had been left in the range in the kitchen, and Mrs Smith had also been engaged ironing during the afternoon, but the irons had been put out before she left the house.