TUAKAU

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 279, 29 May 1917, Page 1

TUAKAU

[The Tuakau Supply Store, Ltd., are now the local agents for the "Times" and copies of the paper are obtainable at their premises.]'

HOUBE DESTROYED BY FIRE In a fire which broke out in the early hours of Saturday last the residence of Mr W. G. Little at Tuakau situate on the Harrisville road, overlooking the township, was completely destroyed, only two brick chimneys remaining. Mr Little, who with his wife and four children were in the house, was the last to retire to bed at 9.30 o'clock Friday evening when a small fire was left in the kitchen grate. About four o'clock Mrs Little awoke and found the place in flames. She and Mr Little managed to convey their four children away safely but all their furniture and belongings perished. How the fire originated is a mystery. Two suggestions are made. One is that the wire connecting the house with the telephone may have been ignited by lightning which prevailed during the night, or the conflagration may have been due to a defective flue in the chimney. The house, which was one of the largest in Tuakau, belonged to Nurse Nolan and was used by her as a Nursing home prior to its occupancy by Mr Little, who is the local representative of Messrs Dalgety & Co., Limited. It is understood that the property was insured. Mr Little's furniture was covered by a small insurance but his loss is a heavy one.