FIRE IN UNION STREET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3791, 12 May 1928, Page 2

FIRE IN UNION STREET.

FOUR-ROOMED COTTAGE GUTTED.

A four-roomed cottage in Union Street, owned and occupied by Mr. J. A. 'Hofmann, was badly gutted by fire at an early hour this morning, complete destruction and more serious damage only being prevented by the timely arrival and the excellent work of the Are brigade. Mrs. Hofmann informed our representative this morning that she was aroused by a noise about 1.30 a.m., and on investigating discov ered .the house full of smoke. It was. impossible to reach the telephone, which is also a fire alarm for Union Street, and her son was despatched post haste on a bicycle to give the alarm. The brigade lost no time in getting to the scene of the outbreak and with commendable rapidity, soon had the conflagration under control. Viewed this morning the save is a remarkable one and reflects yet further credit on the efficiency of the brigade.

The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. The household retired at 9.30, and the outbreak did not occur until somewhere about 1.30 a.m., and evidently originated in a bedroom which, last night, was not occupied.

The bedroom and kitchen were badly gutted and considerable damage done to the dining room. One bedroom in the front escaped damage.

It is understood there is a cover on the house in a Palmerston N. office, and a small amount on the furniture in the Atlas Office. The amounts are not available.