FIRE IN PATRICK STREET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3035, 13 May 1926, Page 2

FIRE IN PATRICK STREET.

TWO STORIED ,DWELLING DESTROYED. Shortly after one d’clock this afternoon a two-storied residence on the corner of Patrick Street and No. 2 Line, situate on what is known as Herston Farm, was totally destroyed by fire. The house was occupied prior to the outbreak by Alessrs F. W’alton, Williams and P. Hart, who are share-milking on Air. A. Speirs Jnr.’s property. The dwelling belonged to Afr. A. Speirs and was covered by insurance, but at the time of going to press the amount of insurance was not available. In conversation with our representative Air. F. Walton said that himself and Alessrs Williams, Hart and Fowler had dinner in the kitchen of the buildng between 12 and 1 p.m. They had a fire alight in the grate. They all left- the house at 1 p.m. when everything appeared in order. When working about half a mile away at about 1.30, Air. Fowler noticed smoke issuing from the back door of the building. They all rushed over, thinking the chimney was on fire, but on arrival were unable to gain entrance to the kitchen which was a blazing mass. Entrance was effected through a front window, the front door being locked, and a quantity of clothing and personal effects removed before the building was totally destroyed. The howling gale which was blowing at the time soon swept the flames through the house, and within a very short time nothing was left to mark the spot where the building stood but a mass of smouldering ashes.

The sharemilkers did not have any insurance on their belongings and estimate their loss at £2O,