HOMESTEAD BURNT.

Putaruru Press, Volume III, Issue 103, 15 October 1925, Page 4

HOMESTEAD BURNT.

ON ARAPUNI ROAD. House Completely Gutted. About nine o’clock on Saturday night the six-roomed house owned by Mr. Matt. Henderson, roadling contractor, of Putaruru, was completely gutted by fire. The outbreak was first discovered by Mr. and Mrs. George Ua, who were walking from the township, and at that time the fire had a good hold, apparently in the rear of the house. Mr. Ua broke into the bedrooms to make sure none of the younger members of the family were in bed, and on satisfying himself that no one was at home immediately raised the alarm. A party from Putaruru, including the local police and Messrs. Leggatt and Henderson, were quickly on the scene, but though many willing helpers kept foiling up, nothing could be done, as the fire had obtained too great a hold, and the water tanks could not be approached owing to the heat. The house was situated about a mile from Putaruru, and the origin of the outbreak is a mystery. Mr. Henderson had) been absent all day on business, and returned home in his car about 6.45 p.m., and took his wife and family to the pictures. Between 8.30 and a quarter to nine the service cars, and several residents, passed the house, and .there was no sign of fire at that time. The building was insured, but the amount is not available at the moment. Mr. Henderson’s loss is considerable, many personal treasures being lost in the flames.