FIRE IN ST. AUBYN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 242, 12 April 1912, Page 4

FIRE IN ST. AUBYN.

eight-roomed house destroyed. An eight-roomed house belonging to the Bonithon Oil Company, and occupied by Mr A. E. Kellow, was totally destroyed by fire at about midnight. The nre bells sounded the alarm just after it was discovered, and the brigadeemen, under Superintendent Bellringer, were soon on the spot with their appliances, but the burning Jiouse was without the borough and nothing was done. It is questionable, however, if the brigade could have done much, as the flames had a strong hold before being discovered. Ine building, which was a' fairly old one, was formerly the property of Mr. o. U Da vies. I

The occupant (Mr. Kelfow), in conversation with a News representative, stated he the home at about 7.30 when everything appeared right. No fires had been lighted for days. Returning home at about 11.30, he was surprised to see smoke surrounding the house and jets of flame appearing from different points of the building He opened a couple of doors, being anxious to save some money he had placed for safe keeping under the mattress of a bed, but the heat was too intense for him to proceed very far, and he was obliged .to beat a hasty retreat. Fortunately, his wife and chiJdren were away at the time, having departed last week for Australia.

There was an insurance cover of £'oo on the furniture, and £4O on the piano, but, according to Mr. Kellow, this will not nearly cover the loss. The building it is understod, is insured, but in what office and for what amount we were unable to ascertain this morning,