FIRE AT OTOROHANGA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 574, 7 June 1913, Page 5

FIRE AT OTOROHANGA.

RESIDENCE TOTALLY DESTROYED. Own Correspond 3nt. A very serious fire occurred in Otorohanga on Wednesday evening, when the dwelling house of Mr C. J. Johnson was totally destroyed. Mr Johnson is at present away from home, and the family left tha house to go to the township shortly after seven o'clock, leaving everything apparently safe. About a quarter to eight a neighbour, Mrs H. J. Osmond, about a quarter of a mile away, saw signs of fire, and after informing her brother, rang up some friends in the township and notified them of the occurrence with a view to getting assistance. Although the doomed home is not a very great distance out, by tbe time willing helperß arrived the whole of the house was practically ablaze, and very little was saved. All that could be done was to form a bucket brigade, and prevent the tire spreading to the outbuildings. The origin of the fire is a complete mystery, as everything appeared to be safe half an hour previous to the outbreak. There was no insurance upon the furniture and effects, and as only a few shillings' worth was saved, the owners will be heavy losers. It is understood that there is a State fire policy for £2OO on the house which was a nice sevenroomed villa.