Fire at Otaki.

Manawatu Herald, 30 October 1897, Page 2

Fire at Otaki.

The residence of Mr Fred 3. B/< der has been destroyed by fire at Riverslea, says the Otaki Mail. Ex* actly a month ago this gentleman had the misfortune to have his residence in Otaki, with all his household Roods and valuables — the accumulation of years of settled domes* ticity— totally destroyed by fire. Now 4 again, Mr Ryder has been visited by a similar calamity, whereby the splendid residence recently acquired by him from Mr W. H. Bimcox, across the river, was levelled to the ground about midnight on Wednesday last. A. stock of new furniture, etc., which they had only just purchased at a cost of nearly £800, escaped the flames. The new goods were lying at the Otaki Railway Station at the , time of the occurrence, and were to have been rsmoved on Thursday to the residence which now lies in ruins. The building comprises 18 rooms (exclusive of bathroom, Boullery, etc.), and was constructed about 10 years ago at a cost, we understand, of about £1000. It was insured in the Phcoaix office, of which Mr W. H. Siracox is the local agent, for £600.