PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2488, 10 June 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] FIRE AT CHESTERFIELD. —TWO CHILDREN BURNT TO DEATH. Christchurch, June 9. The bouse of Wm. Chesterfield, bootmaker, Springfield, was burned down about 6 o’clock yesterday evening, and two children, aged three and five years, were burnt to death. Two older children had been left in charge of the house while the parents went for a walk together. Tne neighbors made every effort to rescue the deceased, but the fire had obtained too great a hold before they arrived. The origin of the fire is not yet known. Later. The circumstances of the fatal fire at Springfield are the following :—William Chesterfield, bootmaker, asked Mrs Cheterfield to accompany him to put a mare in a paddock. They left in the house five children, and the eldest a boy of twelve had to look after the house and younger ones. A neighbour shortly after looked in and asked if the father was at home. All was then right. Receiving an answer, he went away. This would be about hal£-an-hoor before the fire was seen. After this the youngest, a boy of three and and the next a girl of four or five, were put to bed. The two eldest boys then went out, leaving a girl of six by herself. All that further is known from this little girl is that she was unlacing her shoes, when the flame of the candle, the only light burning, caught a towel or something. Before any alarm was given the fire had got complete hold of the house, which, with everything it contained was in half-an-hour burnt to the ground. It was insured in the Standard for £125 and the furniture in the Australian Mercantile for £72. Nothing has been saved and besides wearing apparel and stock, Chesterfield has also lost his account books.