RUSH FROM FIRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 418, 1 September 1928, Page 2

RUSH FROM FIRE

OCCUPANTS LEAVE IN NIGHT ATTIRE OUTBREAK AT WAIKINO (From Our Own Correspondent.) WAIHI, Friday. ] The occupants had to make a hurried escape in their night attire when a seven-roomed building consisting of dining rooms and residence, owned and occupied by Mr. F. McPike in the centre of Waikino township, was completely destroyed by fire last night. About 12.30 a battery employee going to work discovered the outbreak, and gave the alarm. There is no fire brigade in Waikino. but the neighbours made an effort to suppress the outbreak. Inadequate , equipment and lo w pressure of water, however, made it a hopeless task from the start. The occupants had a narrow escape as the house was well ablaze when the alarm was given, and they had to leave in their night attire. As far as can be ascertained the fire started in the kitchen fireplace, which was known to be faulty, as a slight outbreak had occurred there earlier in the week. The house was insured in the Guardian Office for £220, furniture and effects in the Royal Office for £3OO. an the piano in the Royal Office for £OO. Damage to the extent of about £SO was done to the fruit and confectionery stock of Nlr. W. Harris, who owns the premises next to the scene of the fire.