FIRE AT HIKUTAIA.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4897, 30 October 1925, Page 3

FIRE AT HIKUTAIA.

LARGE BARN DESTROYED. FARMER’S HEAVY LOSS. • On Saturday afternoon last a' large barn and ..milking-shed, the property Of Mr Vivian Young, was totally destroyed by fire. Mr Young, who was, attending the opening of the Hikutaia Bowling Club when he was apprised of the out- . break, left the shed shortly after nlid- . day, when everything was apparently safe. It appears that about 4 p.m. Mr Bradley, air employee on the farm, • started up the kerosene engine which supplied power for the milking plant, and, leaving things safe as he thought, Went away to bring in the cowst. When some' distance from the — shed he noticed flames and smoke issuing from the building, and by the ? time he reached the scene the'fire had a strong hold of the milking-shed and barn. •Owing to the heat and smoke it was not possible to get sufficiently close to the-buildings to save any effetcs. In addition to the loss of the buildings, all the.farm implements, a ney separator, 5-cow' milking plant, kerosene engine, and a quantity of manure, lime, and farm accessories and harness were totally destroyed. It is understood that there waa no insurance, on the buildings or contents. Mr Young is a very heavy loser —■ financially, and in addition he is experiencing considerable inconvenience in view of the milking season being .well under way. • The practical sympathy of the neighbours hajs been freely offered Mr Young, and many offers of plant and implements have been made. In addition, a working bee of nearby settlers has been formed, and assistance is being given Mr Young in erecting a temnorary milking-shed.'