FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 188, 28 December 1912, Page 5

FIRES.

FIVE RACEHORSES DESTROYED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Reefton, Friday. A fire occurred in McMahon's stables, whim five horses, which were to have competed in the races to-day, were destroyed. They were 'Lapp's Amberstone, Rose's Daunton, Shield's Comedian, Colvin's Merchantman, and Middlepark's Armstrong. The origin of the tire is unknown. Reefton, Last Night. At the Reefton stable tire live horses were burnt to death. The Inangahua Times reports that about 20 minutes to four this morning a boarder at the hotel opposite the back of the stable was attracted by the scream of a horse. He looked out and saw dense masses of llame rising from McMahon's stables, lie rang the tirebell and McMahon and the members of the Times stall', who were working, were lii'i-t on the scene, one bringing in a reel from a side (ire slal ion. Dense massis of smoke were ; mounting up. The stables were locked ii|i and the key was in the pocket of Mr. T;hi|> at the hotel in Jiroadwav. No entrance could lie effected. The horses Were kicking in the stable,- and were evidently being suffocated, as no m-reams furl lie]' were heard. When the key was obtained (he smoke bad penetrated (•very where. A member of the Times vlali' fried to extricate Amberstone. but the hoive was bv ,-moke and the llanies were mounting high. When the water was put on it quickly ex tinauislied the live. The lire evidently started in a stall occupied by Comedian, as it was Imnil clean and (lie horses weve burnt to the bone. Great sympathy ir; expressed with the owners. The stables were detached from I lie other buildings and were practically newly built, on the latest lilies. They are quite gutted. It is expected thai the untoward loss will seriously affect the present. racing season on the coa*t. An enquiry is being held this evening.

If vour property is not insured call at or ring up the United Insurance Company, Ltd.. Devon street; telephone lflS, Webster Bros., district agents. Insurance effected on the most favourable terms.—Advt.