FIRE AT DUNMORE

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 2 August 1916, Page 5

FIRE AT DUNMORE

MR WILKIE’S RESIDENCE. HOUSE AND CONTENTS. EVERYTHING COMPLETELY DESTROYED. FAMILY ESCAPE IN NIGHT ATTIRE Mr David Wilkie, Dunmore, was Tuesday morning just in time to save himself from being incinerated in a aroused front his sleep at 1 o’clock on fire that had then got full possession of his fine residence. It transpires that Mrs Wilkie was awakened by a crackling noise and by an overpowering smell of burning, and she went to ascertain the cause, but almost immediately called Mr Wilkie, and both then commenced to rescue the children. Mr Wilkie saw at once that there was not a possible chance of saving anything but their lives, and each member of the family had to leave with nothing but their night apparel to cover them. Had there been an ample supply of water available it was quite too late for beneficial use, for in only a few minutes the whole roof fell in, causing the escapees to shudder at the narrow ness of the margin of time in their fa\our. Not even a pair of boots were rescued for any one of the unfortunate people to wear, so rapid and fierce was the conflagration. The fine residence and every article of furniture and clothing were completely burnt. Luckily none of the farm buildings were near enough to be affected, but Mr Wilkie’s loss is already sufficiently heavy.

The glare of the fire was noticed by Mr J. Thomasen and Mr T. H. Smithfield, and they made haste to render any aid that was possible. Mrs Thomasen, Senr. and Mrs Thomasen, Junr took possession of the children, securing) them warm clothing and taking them to comfortable quarters, for which Mr and Mrs Wilkie tender them their heartiest thanks. Those mentioned were the only people who saw the fire in time to render any assistance .

It is a remarkable fact that the fire seems to have started under the floor of the house below the drawing room. Its origin is quite a mystery, and Mr Wilkie cannot suggest any likely , hypothesis He recognised what appeared to be the fire centre, nothing more was possible.

The insurance wa s effected with the Royal Exchange, for which Messrs Dalgety and Co. are the local agents. It is understood the total amount insured for is £550, but Mr Wilkie considers his loss could not be made good at £6OO or £7OO above that amount.