Disastrous Fire

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 14, 6 September 1983, Page 16

Disastrous Fire

This was all that was left of a 3-caravan-and-tent accommodation complex at Waiouru last week following a late-night fire. It had been the temporary 'home' of Mr James Tweeddale and his family. Fortunately his wife Nga and two young children were away on holiday at the time and Mr Tweeddale was not 'at home' when the fire raged through their living quarters destroying all the family possessions. The cause of the fire is believed to be a burning log which fell from a homemade fireplace in Mr Tweeddale' s absence.

The Tweeddale family , had lived in their caravan home beside State Highway One for the last 4 months since he successfully tendered for the Waiouru rubbish collection contract. Before that he had lived in Mangaweka but had been Waiouru's coal and timber merchant for the past six or so years. Mrs Tweeddale and the two children will return to live in Mangaweka whilst Mr Tweeddale fulfils his rubbish collection contract in Waiouru, staying in temporary accommodation in the camp and 'commuting' at weekertds.