MARSDEN ROAD FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1929, Page 4

MARSDEN ROAD FIRE

HOUSE DEMOLISHED.

CniEYMOUTH;- Nov, . 16b

One of the fiercest outbreaks of ' ; £j|» experienced in G-reymouth for some considerable period occurred yesterday afternoon at about 3.30 when a seveproomed house, owned and occupied by Mr George Weaver,' was completely destroyed. The house was on the > corner of Palmerston Street and Marsden Road. None of ...ie occupants of the house was at home when the- outbreak started, and the flames were first noticed by Mr Robert Harvey, who was nassing in his motor lorry.' When the Fire Brigade arrived on the scene the fire had secured a strong hold, and fanned by. a strong southerly wind, the task of ' extinguishing; the blaze became impossible. The Brigade’s task was made all the more hopeless by the total inadequacy of the water pressure‘from the mains, only a 151 b pressure being Pumping from the"' engine was resorted to, but this produced’ only a 40-lb pressure. After half an hour all that was left standing were the chimneys. The heat from the blaze was intense, while dense volumes of , smoke at regular interval completely obscured the surroundings for a distance of 5 several yards. ' The origin of the fire is unknown, as there were no fires going when Mrs Weaver had left the house. Nothing was saved, there being no time to remove any of the furniture or personal! effects. Miss V. Weaver, who was to* be married shortly, also lost her trousseau and several wedding presents. Fortunately the house stood at a Fair distance from any of the adjoining residences, and the only danger of them > catching alight was the., possibility of the wind veering round. . ty The house, which was a wooden one, had Keen built some 25 years ago. It was insured in the South British Gov;< for £BOO and the furniture for £2OO in the same office. Tt is* understood,,however, that' Mr Weaver will lose insubstantial vim.