FIRE IN KAHUTIA STREET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2204, 7 October 1907, Page 2

FIRE IN KAHUTIA STREET.

RESIDENCE . BURNT TO THE GROUND. About one o’clock this morning a man oil tlio wharf noticed a big giaro iu the vicinity of Childers Road, and at once informed tlio town nightwatchman, who niado all haste to sound an alarm from tho firobell tower in Gladstone road. On investigation tho blaze was located at tlio r.esidonco of Mr. Mackio, engineer on the dredge John Townloy, in Kaliutia street, and it was at once seen by those who arrived earliest in tho vicinity after tho sounding of tlio alarm that it was an impossibility to save tlio house. Tho front portion was blazing fiercely, and tho flames wore spreading rapidly. AVitli all hope lost of saving tho burning building, tho efforts of tlioso present wero concentrated on tho adjoining house, occupied by Mr. Jamison. The heat was almost unbearable, and water thrown on tho side of Mr. Jamison’s liouso nearest tho flames was quickly convortod into steam. However, with tho aid of a number of willing volunteers and plentiful splashings with water and draping with wot blankets Mr. Jamison’s house was saved, tho arrival of the fire brigade easing off tho work in tho volunteer firemen. By half-past one the house of Mr. Mackio was a mere skeleton.

Tho only occupant of tho burnt building was Mrs. Mackio. She was awakaned by something falling in the hall, and had just succeeded in getting out of the front door when tho flames burst into lior bedroom. Mrs. Mackio is unable to account for tho fire in any way, as there had been no fire in the house for over a week. Sho was unable to savo any of her furniture, which, however, was covered by insurance. Mr. Mackio is at present away on a, holiday, and Mrs. Mackio had her trunks ready packed to leave also for a holiday on AA’ednesday. Tho house was tlie property of Mr. John Townloy, but tho insurances wero not available this morning.