SUSPICIOUS FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1126, 29 July 1913, Page 3

SUSPICIOUS FIRE.

PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES

Gisborne, July 28

The hotel at Te Karaka, 30 miles from Gisborne, which had a narrow escape from destruction in the fire which destroyed three adjoining shops in the township on Friday afternoon, was completely demolished by fire at 1 o’clock this morning. The hotel was a large modern structure, containing 12 bedrooms and 12 other rooms, all of which were occupied by guests. At the time of the outbreak one of the guests heard a man in the adjoining room get up and go out about 12.30, and about half an hour later he heard a crackling noise coming from the room. He investigated, and discovered both beds ablaze and flames creeping up the walls. His attempt to check the outbreak was unsuccessful, so he speedily wakened the household, and all escaped in the. nick of time. . The hotel was owned by D. J. Barry, of Gisborne, who has a policy in the Royal Exchange for The licensee is G, Williams, and his furniture and stock were insured in the Royal Office for £l lOO.