FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3780, 4 January 1908, Page 3

FIRE.

Ranfurly Boardinghouse Destroyed. At about 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day, a two-storeyed 12-roomed dwelling in Main Street, known as the Ranfurly Boardinghouse, was totally destroyed by fire. The fire was first noticed by Mr Geo. Gray, whose hotel is almost opposite. The building was then ablaze in one of the upstair backrooms. It is stated that one boarder was in the house at the time of the fire; All the other -occupants were away holidaymaking. Willing helpers succeeded in saving the piano and sewing machine, but everything else went up in smoke. The westerly winds blew the flames and sparks across the road but a willing number of persons saved the properties opposite from the flames.

The house was owned by Mr A. C. Lange, of Dannevirke, and was insured in the Commercial Union office for Mrs B. Smith was the occupier. The furniture and effects were insured for /350 in the Yorkshire.

There were twelve boarders in the house whose effects were destroyed. j The origin of the outbreak remains a mystery.

An incipient fire was discovered on the same premises on the night prior to ihe fire. It appears that a boarder who occupied a back bedroom upstairs, left a candle burning on the dressing table. The wind apparently blew the flame to the curtains, and it was not long Jpefoye the walLpaper and bed were ablaze T The boarders succeeded in getting the fire under.