RONGOTEA FIRE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6544, 28 February 1928, Page 6

RONGOTEA FIRE

FIFTEEN-BOOMED RESIDENCE DESTROYED, (“Times” Special.) EONGOTEA, Last Night. At approximately J! a.m. on Sunday morning the 15-roomed two-storey residence occupied by Mr B. Boyce, and situated on the corner of Jones’ line and the Eongotea Glen Oroua road ■was completely destroyed by fire. The origin of the outbreak is a total mystery, the occupants being in bed at the time, were awakened to the fact that the house was ablaze and were only able to get out in the nick of time, the fire quickly enveloping the whole building which, by the way, was of wood. About 6 o’clock when all was deemed safe the washhouse was seen to burst into flames, and it and the carshed were also completely gutted, While it lasted the heat was terrific, nearby hedges and bushes burning up like torchwood. The place had been vacant for about 12 months previous to Mr Boyce moving in about a month ago. The furniture was insured for £3OO while the house was covered by £7OO, and it is understood Mr Boyce is a heavy loser. ;