Fire.

Manawatu Herald, 6 February 1902, Page 3

Fire.

MR E. B. OSBORNE’S RESIDENCE DESTROYED*

Last night a disastrous fire occurred at the residence of Mr Edmund Osborne, on the Norbiton Road. .The family all retired to rest on Wednesday night at nine o’clock, except Mr Osborne who retired at x0.a0., the servant being out at a party. About a quarter to twelve Gordon Osborne,, a lad of seven, smelt the smoke and woke hie brother up, who called out fire. Ur Osborne woke up and looking out of the window noticed flames apparently coming from the back of the home- Ho then roused the family up. On going to the back of the house he noticed that the room occupied by the servant was on fire. Fearing the girl was in the room Mr Osborne broke in the dodr, when he had a narrow escape from the flames rushing out, in fact it did singe his hair. The family all got opt safe but with scanty covering. Fortunately Mrs Osborne was away in Wellington.. The house was totally destroyed and very quickly, as within a quarter of an hour of the fire being discovered the roof fell in,

The loss will be very great as the house has only been built seven years and cost about £4BO to erect, and is only insured foe £250 in the National Insurance Co., who also hold a policy for £IBO on the furniture. A house of the same character would now cost /550 to build. Mr Osborne reckons his loss will be over £4OO outside the insurances. Curiously enough very few persons were present, but the Messrs Langley got there first, and Mr Smith and the police were quickly on the spot, but the fire had got such a hold that nothing was saved. Very kind offers of assistance as to care of the children were made, for which Mr Osborne is thankful.