FIRE AT GREY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1927, Page 4

FIRE AT GREY

GREYMOUTH, March 8. Shortly after two o’clock this morning a fire broke out in the residence of Air J. Hutton, Director of the Greynioiith Technical High School, situated on ' the crown of Hasson’s Hill. The first intimation of the fire was ; given by the screams of two daughters of ATr and Airs Hutton. There were in all eleven inmates, including six Technical School boys, as well as Air and Airs Hutton, and their two daughters. The house, which comprised ten rooms, was a picturesque structure, surrounded by trees, and alone occupying the hill. The place of the fire’s origin was the kitchen, but exactly how it started was not ascertainable before going to press. It was some time before the alarm reached the Fire Brigade, about 2.-10 when the structure was in a strong grip of the flames. The inmates escaped with little more than their clothing. The (lames soon lit tip the hills behind, making a very spectacular sight. The Fire Brigade lest no time in reaching the scene, blit the only hoses of use were those from the Dennis engine, and by the lime water from these was available, there was no hope of checking the flames, which in half an hour had loft the brick chimneys standing up bare. The hose was played on a side of the front portion, but there "as a strong easterly breeze, which lanned the fire in a manner that soon consumed the timbers. There was practically nothing saved, and Mr and Afrs Hutton must lie considerable losers. The house belonged to Air Edward Stratford, of Kokiri No details of the insurances were to he obtained at. the time of going to press. The structure was a oompartively new one, and it would cost a considerable sum to replace it.