Fire at Terrace End.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 4, Issue 154, 8 June 1883, Page 2

Fire at Terrace End.

DWELLING BURNT TO THE GROUND.

TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE CONTENTS.

NARROW ESCAPE OF THE INMATES.

Between 3 and 4 o'clock this morning the house occupied by Mr and Mrs Greaney. at Terrace End, was discovered to be on fire. The wind was blowing half a gale at the time, and when the terror-stricken inmates awoke to their danger, it was as much as they could do to escape with their lives. Mr Greaney rushed out with one child, and Mrs Greney took out the other. He laid the child under a fence, and rushed back to save what few articles he could. Mrs Greaney was under the impression that her other child had been left in the burning building, and her cries of distress aroused the neighbours, some of whom were already on the scene. She became calm and thankful when she learnt that her child was safe. A couple of small boxes was all that was saved out of the burning building, the destruction of which was fearfully rapid, as the flames fanned by the fierce wind, devoured every stick in about half an hour. The neighbours seeing that nothing could be done to save the doomed building, or any of the contents, and noticing that Mr Cate's house, next door, was in serious danger of catching fire, under the direction of Mr Weight of the Princess Hotel, (whose pluck and energy were most commendable) lent ready assistance in preventing the fire extending. Had Mr Cate's house

caught, nothing could have saved Mr Marsh's. By dint of hard work and vigilance, all danger was ultimately averted. Mr Greaney is a heavy loser, for although his house was insured the insurance does not nearly cover the loss he has sustained, he and his family making their escape in their night, clothes, all furniture and clothing having to be left to the fierce fury of the fire. He informs our reporter that he cannot account for the fire at all. They were at a birthday party next door, and returned early, lighting up the fire, butnot cooking anything, and retiring to rest shortly afterwards to find their home in flames. They were most careful in extinguishing, the fire every night, and exercised every possible caution with regard to fire generally. Some people think the cause is due to a defective chimney, but it is most probable the exact origin will never be discovered. In the opinion of some the fire commenced in the roof, but Mr Greaney thinks it was some where near the fireplace, as when he awoke it was that part of the house where the fire was burning most fiercely. The destruction of their home is a sad calamity to the family, who should have general sympathy in their misfortune.