A Disastrous Fire.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3650, 22 May 1906, Page 2

A Disastrous Fire.

THE MAYORAI/ RESIDENCE COMPLETELY DESTROYED.

Rather an unfortunate fire _ occurred early yesterday morning, when the residence (‘ Laurestina’) of His Worship the Mayor was completely destroyed by fire. How the fire started seems enveloped in mystery, but the fact remains that Mr and Mrs Simpson and family were fortunate even in escaping with their lives.

It appears Mr G. A. Simpson himself was the last to retire, about 11 o’clock, he having had a few friends with him till that hour. The first notice of the outbreak was observed by Mrs Simpson, who woke her husband and stated there was smell of smoke about. Her husband at first discredited the idea, but soon he opened the door to find the hall and passage engulfed in deep black smoke. After giving the alarm to his wife, he rushed round to see to the safety of the children. They all managed to escape with what they stood up in. Mrs Simpson managed to save a dress. Mr Simpson was left with what he stood up in. his trousers, but luckily found a ccat and vest in the wash-house afterwards. Otherwise nothing was saved, except the silver cradle presented by Councillors, and to rescue this trophy from the burning ruins, Mrs Simpson had to put her arm through the drawingroom window and seize it while it was hot. The whole conflagration could not have lasted more than haif-an-hour from start to finish, the wind blowing hard at the time. When : the fire-bell rang (which was sounded by Mr Fred Robinson on his way to the farm) the flames had almost completed their disastrous work. Mr C. Hunt was amongst the first on the scene, and with others turned the gas-house over, and managed to save the wash-house. Amongst the losses are Mr Simpson’s Masonic jewels, and watch and chain.

It is hard to guage the enormity of the loss to Mr and Mrs Simpson. The residence was built of the best totara and matai, and it alone was worth fully ,£llOO. It was stocked with the best of furniture and effects. It seems hard to think that years of collections should be so destroyed.

We are pleased to note that willing familiss have responded with offers to house the distressed family during the trouble, for which Mr and Mrs Simpson return thanks. We are at a loss to ascertain 'whether there is any insurance or non.