FIRE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2652, 20 July 1887, Page 2

FIRE.

DESTRUCTION OF MR E, TAY v : LEPv'S TIESIDENCE. '

Last night, about 11 o'clock, Masterton was votisod by uu uncertain poal,of tlio lire boll,, but as the ringing continued, mid a gala of wiudwas blowing at the time, the town was 'thrown into a state of groat excitement. From tlio reflection to the south west of- the town, tbo cause was soon uiado known and both Fire' Brigades got out their engines anil plant and made for the Dixon estate, as the outbreak appeared to be' there, However, on the Brigades ' reaching the Gasworks, it was seen that the conflagration was at the Makora, and several members went on, leaving their plant behind, and found that the residence of Mr E. Tayler. (late ■W. .W. McCardle's) was enveloped in flames. From what we can gather, Mr Tayler, who was the only one "staying on tbe place, went to bed about half-past eight o'clock, leavin? everything apparently safe, .the. ; two fires that had been burning in the place being to all appearances out. About 11 o'clock ho was awoke by a suffocating sensation, and found the plase so full of smoke that he was compelled to smash the window to make his escape from the house. On getting outside he saw that the back part of the.building was inflames, and was enablod, before being driven back by the heat and smoke, to throw out a few things from tbo front loom on to the verandah, but, as he was single handed, most of them were burnedbefore ho could get them away, Being such a long distance from the town the roof had fallen in beforo any assistance had arrived, consequently very little was saved. . Tho houso was a'seven roomed one, and was insured in the North British Office for £2OO, tho furniture beinginsured for £SO in the Northern Offico. Besides the loss of furniture and effects, Mr Tayler had about £2O worth of fruit destroyed which were stored on the premises and wore uninsured.. Widespread sympathy is felt for Mr Tayler over his loss, as he has. recently hud other difficulties to contend against, which makes the present disaster more, keenly felt. Luckily Mrs Tayler and the family wero staying at tho shop in Queen-street, otherwise, apart from the fire, tlio exposure on such a dreadful night, would have caused thorn serious danger.