FIRE AT SHANNON.

Shannon News, 15 January 1926, Page 3

FIRE AT SHANNON.

MR BRAWN'S RESIDENCE DESTROYED. Last evening at 8.3 Q o'clock the seven-roomed house in Grey Street, owned by the Bank of New Zealand, and occupied by the bank's local manager, Mr Brann, was totally destroyed by Are. At the time there was no wind butt when discovered the fire had such a good hold that little could be done to save the building and its contents. The fire was first noticed by Mr Goakley, who resides about three doors away. He immediately rang up Constable Shannon, who at once, proceeded to the scene. However, there was. a largo number of bowlers, amongst whom was Mr Brann, on the bowling green, which adjoins the rear of the premises. The alarm was given to them and they' immediately proceeded to the scene. On arrival the back door was found to be open, but owing to the density of > the smoke it was impossible to do anything in that portion of the building. An entrance was then made from the; front of the building,, but those who were able to gain an entrance found the building one mass of flames. Finding nothing could be done to save the building or contents, efforts were concentrated on saving the adjoining residence qceupjied by Mrs Foster. Fortunately there was no breeze, but the heat was intense and it was found necessary to keep throwing water on- the adjoining house. To show how strong a hold the fire had the large number of helpers' were only able to. save a ; - mattress, chair and a few garden tools. At the time Mr Brann was the only occupant of the house,, Mrs Brann and the children being away at PaeWakariki. , ■The cause of the fine is a mystery and when discovered it was hard to say in w!Mch part of. the dwelling it had started. Mr Brann states that he arrived home from the office at 4.30 p.m. and after having Wis tea, proceeded to the bowling green where he arrived at 6.30 p.m. When he left the house everything appeared to be alright. The insurance on the building is £350 with the New Zealand Insurance Co., while the contents were covered by a policy for £"260.