FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1915, Page 8

FIRES.

OUTBREAK AT WAVEKLILiT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wauganui, Dee. 11. A lire at Waverley at 3 o'clock tliis morning destroyed the premises, occupied by Bedford (butcher), Turner (cabinetmaker), Patton (tailor), and .Pepper (plumber). Its origin is unknown. The insurances total £I2BO. AT XORMANBY. A fire occurred on Friday night at Normanby, at about 8.30, when Mr. F. C. Bains' bee shed and its contents, viz., benzine engine, honey extractor, beeswax, and a lot of bee appliances, were totally destroyed. Mr. Bailies, was working in tile shed from 4 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and when leaving there was no sign of fire. The only explanation of the origin of tile fire is that it must have been started by a heated bee smoker. About 8.30 (says the Hawera Star), Mrs. Bailies noticed a smell of burning, and went to the bark door of the residence, but eould see nothing, and, knowing that neighbors had been burning rubbish during the afternoon, attributed the smell to that. She returned to the house, but after a time, noticing smoke and a crackling noise, again went outside and discovered the shed to be on fire. Mrs. Baines called her husband, who went to the shed, and on opening the door was driven back by the flames, and could not again approach the building. The alarm was given, and, as stated, willing hands were soon available, but beyond removing a few lice boxes nothing could be done. building was used by Mr. Baines as a workshow and storehouse in connection with bis bee-keeping business, and contained valuable machinery and appliances, which will be a total loss to him, there being no insurance.

Mr. Baines estimates his loss at about £2OO, and seeing that the lioney season is commencing the loss of frames and comb will be severely felt. The origin of the. fire is a mystery, as when the building was closed at fi o'clock everything was apparently safe. The building was owned by Mr. Arthur Tippett, of Okaiawa, and was insured, but neither office or insurances are available.