HOMESTEAD DESTROYED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 153, 16 July 1937, Page 3

HOMESTEAD DESTROYED

Our Own Correspondent.)

I O I Fire at Mr. T. E. Whelch's, Lake Station

(From

WAIPUKURAU, Last Night. The well-known homestead of Mr and Mrs T. E. Whelch, Lake Station, was completely destroyed by fire last even-' ing. In the house at the timo the firewas discovered were Mr and Mrs Whelch, two children, a baby grandchald and a lady-help. 1 All the household had retired ana the alarm vaj given by the maid, who arose from her bed some time before nine o 'elock to find the kitchen a mass of fiames. The family waa immediately arouse'd and made a hasty exit in their night attire, not having time even to save ciothes. In a very short time the whole bu-ilding was ablaze and though a big band of neighbours soon arrived on the scene nothing could be done to save either the house or its contents. The fire-fighters turned their attention to the outbuildings and managed to save all but one. Although the original house was built raany years ago a large portion of the building was more or less new. additions having been made from time to time during ree.ent years. It was a 10roomed structure, with four smallor eompartments, and as the insurances are small . Mr Whelch will be a heavy loser. . ... The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. , A breeze was blowing at tho time.