FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1928, Page 3

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

GREYMOUTH, June 21

In the vicinity of six o’clock last evening, the Greymoutli Fire Brigade was called out to a fire in Upper Pukctalii Street. The Brigade arrived at the scene, to find a three-roomed residence, which had been occupied by Mr J. T. Jacques, together with his wife and young baby, enveloped in flames. The Brigade quickly connected up with the water main at the corner ot Alexander and Upper Puketahi Streets, and ran a lung lead of hose up the hill to the residence. The water pressure was not great, hut attacking tlie seat of the fire, tlie brigade quickly bad it under control, and in a few minutes had quelled the outbreak. The residence being an old one, however, it burned quickly, and the whole of the interior was badly gutted. It appears that Mr Jacques and his wile and child were seated at their evening meal in the kitchen, when, a strong smell of burning attracted the attention of Mr Jacques. He went tc the bedroom, where a firo had been lit in the fireplace, and on opening the door, a huge volume of smoke and flames issued out.

Calling to his wife to catch up the baby and run outside, Mr Jacques had only sufficient time to save the baby’s pram, and his overcoat which was hanging behind the kitchen door before the. volume of smoke drove him out.

The house was owned by Mr D. Grcaney, of Grey mouth, and there was an insurance of £l5O on it.

Dir Jacques’ furniture and effects were covered by insurance to the value of £l5O, but ns lie bad but recently set up a home, and his furniture was all new, he will, with that loss and tho lass o-f all his own and his wife’s personal effects and clothing be a heavy loser.