SPECTACULAR FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1933, Page 2

SPECTACULAR FIRE

.LARGE COUNTRY HOUSE RAPID SPREAD OF FLAMES. TE AROHA, April 21. Fire completely destroyed the large nine-roomed wooden bouse owned and occupied by Messrs R. H. and N. F. McCabe on Nguturiianga Road, Wailion, last week. The house, which was one of the oldest and soundest in the district, stood in beautiful grounds and was regarded as a distinct landmark. The occupants bad retired early. Airs R. H. McCabe, who is the mother of eight children, was awakened by a crackling noise at the back of the house and at once made investigations. On opening the kitchen door she discovered the room in flames. She quickly aroused the family, who made a hasty exit. The flames spread with such rapidity that in a few minutes the entire house was a blazing mass. The intensity of the flames, when were fanned by a light breeze, made any attempts to rescue furniture or effects futile. The reflection could lie seen for miles and attracted many spectators. Before long there was a large crowd assembled in the grounds and on the roadway immediately in front of the house. So fierce was the fire that within three quarters of an hour the three brick chimneys were all that remained of the dwelling. The house and effects were insured in the South British office.