FIRE AT PAEROA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4590, 25 July 1923, Page 2

FIRE AT PAEROA.

TOTAL LOSS. An old six-roomed house, situated on the left bank of the Ohinemuri River opposite-the end of Junction Road, was totally destroyed by fire this morning. The house was owned by Mrs J. Shaw and occupied by Mr W. D. Keys, Mrs Ross and her two children, and Mr A. Simmpas and his daughter. No one was in the house when the fire occurred, and the origin is a mystery. The building was infested with rats,, which had made a nest in the sitting room chimney. It is understood that smoke was first seen coming through the roof at this point by Public .Works Department employees. The cliimney collapsed while the fire was raging. Mr Simmons was about the place during the morning, but came into Paeroa about 10 am. At 10.40 a.m., when he and the Public Works Department employees who hafi noticed the smoke arrived on the scene, the fire h,ad a firm hold and nothing , could be saved.

The furniture was owned by Mr Keys, and was covered by insurance. Mrs Ross’ effects were also covered by insurance. Both policies were in the State Office.