FIRE AT WAITOA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2627, 14 May 1889, Page 2

FIRE AT WAITOA.

We regret to have to record tho destruction by lire on Friday night of the large house at Waitoa, the property of Mr J. B. Smith. Some three months ago, Mr Clem Cornes of Te Aroha, became the occupant of the house, &c, and on the night of the fire Mrs Cornes, Miss Cornes, and five or six young children wore asleep in the house, whilst, unknown to them the fire was slowly but surely gathering round them and, no doubt, but for a providential circumstance, it would have resulted in a serious loss of life. Very fortunately, ono of Mr Comes' sons. Gus, after riding up to Te Aroha from Karangahake bethought himself, as he had not seen his mother for about a month, to ride over instead of remaining with his relatives in To Aroha, and accordingly he continued his journey reaching Waitoa about midnight. On nearing the house, ho detected fire, and at once proceeded, by knocking at the windows to rouse the inmates. Ho then procured a bucket, and after dashing water on what he saw of the burning part of the house he found he had made a hole by the action. By this time he caused the whole of the inmates to be aware of their perilous situation, and happily all escaped unhurt. Efforts wcro then made to save what it was possible to reach, but with the exception of two chosts of drawers, a sewing raachino and some smaller things, the house, together with Mr Cornes' furniture, including personal clothing, linen, &c, wero totally destroyed in the space of an hour. Mr Cornes had no insurance on his belongings and it is doubtful if tho house was insured. From what I learn Mr Cornes is a heavy loser, having lost, as he remarked, the careful gatherings of twentyfour years. Xo cause can be assigned for the origin of the fire.—[Own Correspondent.]