ANOTHER CONFLAGRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1122, 15 July 1913, Page 2

ANOTHER CONFLAGRATION.

TWO DWELLINGS DE-

STROYED.

Another destructive fire occurred locally on ounday evening, shortly after the church bells had ceased ringing, which resulted in the total destruction of two dwellinghouses in Ravensworth Place occupied by Mr V. Walsh and Mr Alex. Ross. Ihe fire orignated through the upsetting of a kerosene lamp in the bedroom ot Mr Walsh's house when Mrs Walsh was preparing to go out. The blaze from the lamp caught the curtain, and in attempting to pull down the curtain, the lamp was upset. Mr Walsh was not at home at the time. The accident completely unnerved Mrs Walsh, who rushed outside for assistance. When helpers arrived, the flames had a strong hold of the interior of the building, and it was practically impossible to save anything. Only a short distance separated dwellings on either side of the conflagration. There was a slight easterly breeze blowing which removed the Masonic Hall and Mr F. Speirs’ house from the danger zone, although the latter had a narrow escape being so near, and required the close attention of a willing baud of workers. It was soon realised that there was bo hope of saving Mr Ross’ bouse, and willing helpers set to work to salvage portion of the contents. When Mr Ross’ house caught, the breeze freshened and burning fragments were carried in the direction of Messrs Devin and Go’s premises. It was not long before the two houses were reduced to glowing embers. Mr’ Walsh’s house was owned by Mr Geo. Barber, and was insured in the State Office for /250 and the furniture for ,£75 in the United. Mr Ross’ bouse was owned by Mr A. K. Speirs, and was iusured for ,£4OO in the State, and the effects for £250 in the N. Union. Both houses were comparatively new, the former containing five rooms and the latter was a well-appointed sevenroomed house.

A large crowd witnessed the conflagration, but were powerless to fight the flames owing to the absence of a water supply ot-fire-fighting appliances.

The walls of the Masonic Hall were subjected to considerable beat and the paint damaged.

Some of the crowd who witnessed the conflagration did not appear satisfied with the exhibition, aud expressed disappointment that the “ Kerosene box ” as one termed the Masonic, Hall, was not added to the pyrotechnic display.

Foxton easily holds the record for blazes, aud it would appear that certain of the community have now cultivated an impish appetite for diversion.

The service at the Presbyterian Church had to abandoned in con* sequence of Sunday evening’s conflagration. The tinkling of the fire bell was audible in the building at the time when the offertory was being taken, what time a duet was being sung. A little child came up the aisle and audibly informed one of the singers—its mother —that there was a fire. The singer, with the alacrity of a Red Fed. “ downed tools ” and left, but the organist continued to play until the offertory was completed. The congregation glided noiselessly out of the building, in which the reflection of the tire could be seen, and the minister had to abandon the service. Several left the Methodist Church and the preacher stated that the service was of more importance than the fire. The congregation, however, were very restless.

The Anglican Church was further away from the scene and the fire hell, which was not rung very vigorously, had very little effect upon the congregation.

The Salvation Army services were held alongside the burning buildiug, and it is stated that at the time of the outbreak the singing of a hymn having reference to the baptism by fire was in progress. The service of course had to be abandoned.