House Burned at Waikaka.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43372, 12 September 1908, Page 2

House Burned at Waikaka.

NARROW ESCAPE OF OCCUPANTS

On Friday morning about half-past five, Mr E. H. Hubbard, of Waikaka (just below Tahuna), son of Mr F. H, Hubbard of this town, had a rather unpleasant experience He was awakened by a crackling noise, and was somewhat startled to find the house in flames. Without loss of time he wrapped a blanket around liis wife, and one also around his two children, making liis exit from the burning building just in time. In doing so, however, he was considerably burnt about the body, bis light arm suffering most. Clothes, furniture, house, etc., were reduced to ashes, a total loss, there being no insurance.

Neighbours quickly supplied makeshift clothing for Mr and Mrs Hubbard and the children. Mr Hubbard was brought in to Te Aroha. aud his injuries are being attended to by Dr. Axford. The origin of the fire remains a mystery, but it is supposed that one of the men, who rose very early, put on too big a fire, which ignited the building. I Mr Hubbard seems rather unfortunate, as only last February bis now house whs demolished by bush fires, a loss of £2OO,