FIRE AT MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3978, 2 December 1891, Page 2

FIRE AT MASTERTON.

Mr Peacock's House Destroyed*

A five'roomed house in Hope street owned by the Borough Council, and occupied by Mr William Peacock, together with its contents, was tstally deitroyed by fire shortly after two o'clock this morning. Mr Peacock, who was sleeping in the front poi tion of the building, was aroused by one of his children rushing through t ha house aud , crying " Fire !" On discovering that the back part ot the building was ablaze, Mr Peacock devoted himself to rescuing his wife and eight children. This was not done without the greatest difficulty, as the fire spread with alarming rapidity, a d the bouse was soon full of smoke. It was some time before an alarm was sounded on the Arabella, and when the Brigades put in an appear* ance it was absolutely impossible to do anything, the building being quickly reduced to asbes. By the combined efforts of the Brigades and the neighbours the flames were preytnted from spreading to adjoining property. Mr Peacock informs us that his family were rescued in their night-dresses, being unable to saye a particle of clothing. In placing bis family in safety Mr Peacock had his hands severely burnt and his hair singed from his head. Besides the furniture, upon which there was not a penny of insurance, Mr Peacock has lost about £l6 in cash, together with the books of the firm Peacock & Prentice, and is therefore left in a state of absolute impecuniosity. The fire originated in the kitchen, and is supposed to have been caused by a spark from the fireplace. We understand the building itself was insured by the owners for £SO in the North British Go.