FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1920, Page 4

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

OLD COUPLES NARROW ESCAPE About 12.30 this morning, says the Argus” the fire hell near the Tainui St. crossing rang out an alarm, the scene of the outbreak being a six-roomed cottage in Chapel Street, occupied by Mr and Mrs O’Kane. Willing workers from the neighbouring houses were quickly on thc spot, and though little could be done before the arrival of the brigade in the way of subduing the outbreak, a quantity of furniture was taken out of danger. Once the brigade got to' work, they quickly had the fire in 'check, though not before a good deal of damage had been done to the kitchen and dining room. The occupants of the house are an aged couple, and removed into the house some short time ago, Mr O’Kane having recently retired from his bakery business in Tainui Street. According to one of the men first on the scene, Mr and Mrs O’Kane were asleep in a room at the rear of house, but on the opposite side to that on which the fire originated. The old lady was awakened by the ringing of the fire hell, and it was not until someone hanged at the door before she realized that the house was ablaze. In spite of many entreaties, the old couple could not be prevailed upon to leave the house and their wish to remain Was humoured once the brigade had the conflagration extinguished. . The fire will come as a big misfortune to Mr and Airs O’Kane, who recently had the house renovated prior to their taking possession. Both were plainly distressed over the occurrence, but for the prompt action of those who detected the outbreak the old couple stood in danger of being overcome by the fire, especially as Mr O’Kane is practically crippled with rheumatism. The fire is thought to have originated from a defective chimney. The insurance (if any), was not available.