FIRE AT HAMILTON EAST

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2261, 6 January 1887, Page 2

FIRE AT HAMILTON EAST

A KIVE-KOOMBD cottage in Hamilton East, the residence of Mr A. Vincent, w.is de»troyed by fire on Tuesday evening, at about half-past eight. At the time of tho occurrence only Mr Vincent and one of his daughters were at home. The former was lying down smoking, and tho latter was ironing in. the sitting room. Both remarked the wosenco of smoke in the house, and went to the kitchen, which jjthey discovered to be in flames. The prompt assistance of neighbours enabled Mr Vincent and his daughter to save many articles of furniture, but the house, being dry, burned so vapidly that most of the contents were lost. Mr John Lees was particularly active, along with several others. Mr Vincent cannot explain the cause, but he is of opinion that the chimney lintel which, as is the case in many of the early settlers' houses, was of wood, became ignited at the back, and so communicated the fire to the boards at the side. The cottage was partly new, and Mr Vincent had Btarted to renew the roof with iron, a quantity of which, stacked close by, was saved. In addition to the house, a promising young orchard of apple trees was destroyed, the flames going right through them. A stiffish breeze was blowing, and some anxiety was felt for the safety of Mr Keep's cottage, some three hundred yards away, but the danger was averted by the exercise of a little care. Mr Vincent's house was insured in the Imperial for £100. The contents were not covered.