FIRE IN DWELLING.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1920, Page 4

FIRE IN DWELLING.

OCCUPANTS' NARROW ESCAPE. AWAKENED BY A CAT. I A fire occurred in a dwelling at 10R, [ Brougham Street, New Plymouth, occupied by Mr. 11. Earlev and family, shortly after 10..'«> lust 'night. The outbreak appeared to originate in a bedroom occupied by two of the children at the back ot the house. The occupants had a fortunate escape and, though only able to yet out in their night attire, the absence of more serious consequences can be attributed largely to a warning given by the family cat, whose action_in repeatedly jumping up on the bed awoke Mrs. Earlev, who diecovered that the house was on fire, and she immediately aroused the others. The family of six were then got out safely by Mr. and Mr?. Earley, just when the flange had got a fair hold. The fire spread through various parts of the building, a very old two-storey structure, but the efforts of the fire brigade soon resulted in the outbreak being suppressed, without any spread to adjoining promises. The building, which is owned by Messrs. Smar,t Bros., of New Plymouth (whose workshop is next door to the.house), suffered damage by fire and the extent of about £l£o. The owners are covered by an insurance of £3OO 111 the Norwich Union Office. Mr. Barley's effects were ' not covered by insurant?, and a good deal of the furniture 'was ITestroyed.