FIRE AT THE SEASIDE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2401, 7 March 1922, Page 2

FIRE AT THE SEASIDE.

AIR. PERREAU AGAIN THE f ' ' VICTIM. At an early hour on morning a small lean-to structure used as a shop, situate at the seaside, and owned by Air Perreau, together with the contents, was totally destroyed by fire. A stiff nor’-westerly wind was blowing at the time. The occupants of a nearby house were awakened by the noise of bottles exploding, and noticed the conflagration, which then had a good hold on the lean-to. Nothing was saved. The building had recently been erected to replace one destroyed by lire on December 23rd. on the same site, was insured for £25 and the stock for £75. Mr Perreau valued the building at £SO and the stock at £l3O. Air Perreau is of the opinion that the building was entered and fired from within. Mr Perreau seems to he specially selected for victimisation by the “fire hug” as this is the fourth fire which has fallen to his lot. About two years ago a fire broke out in his business premises in Alain Street which were totally destroyed togetli- / er with adjacent buildings. About / six months ago his business premis-i es at the seaside were detroyed hry. fire and this followed by the Peeember hist, which destroyed small building, replaced by the one destroyed by fire on Sunday morning. Fortunately in each Instance Ah’ Perrenu’s losses were covered by insurance, but in each case he estimates his loss at considerably above the insurances. The outbreaks in each case point rather to incendiarism than accident'. The police ai’e making investigations, anil it is hoped, as a result, that a solution of these mysterious outbreak- will he brought to light, in order to allay the present feeling' of unrest.

FIRE AT MOTUITI. T\V<)- ROOMED . WHARE DESTROYED. At about 10.30 last night Mr Kinley’s two-roomed cottage and contents, at Motuiti, were totally dest roved by fire. Air Kinley left the house at about eight o’clock that evening, and when he returned about 12.30 found the place in ashes. A fire was burning in the grate when lie left.