Fire at Campbelltown.

Manawatu Herald, 29 November 1892, Page 2

Fire at Campbelltown.

A fire occurred afe Campbelltown on Friday, which resulted in the total destruction of Mr Walter Richmond's residence on .Banks' line. It appears that Mrs Richond and two of the children went to Palmerston in the morning and left the rest of the family at home. Mr Richmond had been working in one of the fields all the morning, and just before noon went to the house to prepare dinner. While kindling the fire he noticed a strong smell of burning. He went at once into the front room, and found the walls in a blaze. He did what he could to subdue the flames, but it was of no avail, and he directed his attention to saving what furniture he could. By this time the flames were noticeable from a distance, and the alarm, once given, quickly spread. Mr C. Hoppin was the first to arrive, but was quickly followed by others, until almost the entire male population of the neighbourhood was on the scene. After a very short struggle all hope to save the house was abandoned, and those present devoted their energies to saving as much of the furniture as they could. Even this work had to be abandoned after a very short time, the house being wrapped in flames. A strong southwest breeze was blowing at the time, which soon effected the destruction of the building. No water was available, the pump, which was situated at the back door, .and would doubtless have been of great use, was enveloped in flames. Some bedroom and kitchen furniture was all that was saved. In addition to the house, which had five rooms in it, a dairy and an out •house — once the farm residence and one of the oldest in the district were also destroyed The origin of the conflagration is to some extent a mystery. It is sur mised that one of the children carried some fire into the front room. But, be that as it may, a move complete clearing out it would be difficult to find. The orchard, which was in splendid bearing condition, is also very much damaged by the flames and heat. A stack of straw, some distance from the house, also became ignited, and burned itself out. The house had only been built about seven years, and was insured within the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company for £150, the furniture being insured for a similar amount in the same office. Great sympathy was expressed for Mr Richmond in his trouble. He estimates his loss at about £100 over his insurances. — Advocate.