FIRE AT WHATAUPOKO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2422, 10 February 1909, Page 4

FIRE AT WHATAUPOKO.

AN UNOCCUPIED HOUSE DESTROYED.

At about ten minutes past eleven last night the firebell rang out an alarm of fire in the vicinity of Whataupoko. The Fire Brigade at once took the hand-reel, and covering the distance rapidly, found that an unoccupied two-storied house at tiro north end of Russell Street, owned by Mr. Johansen, was ablaze. The fire was first noticed by Airs. Jex-Blake, who lives near-by, and she sent Air! Noel Bull to give the alarm, but the fire had already been seen by people in town, and the alarm soundedi When the Brigade arrived Superin-m tendont Townley took charge, but al-ready-tho fire had obtained a good hold, and the house with its contents was totally destroyed. The fire apparently started in the lower storey of tho building, and its origin is rather mysterious, as Air. Johansen and his family have been camping on the Kaiti beach for some days, and the house was unoccupied. The building was insured in the State. Eire Office, but for what amount was uuascerta inable last night. While, Air. Johansen’s house was ablaze, the high wind that was blowing carried the flames on to Air Hair’s house next door, and it was in great danger of being also destroyed. Air. Gilbert Bull pluckilv got his garden hose, wrapped himself in wet sacks, and played the hose on to the scorched side of the house, until the Fire Bri- ' gade arrived, and so saved it from serious damage. The large crowd that- had been attending the performance in the Gar- x rison Hall speedily flocked to the fire, and many persons rendered valuable assistance in removing furniture and effects from the houses that were threatened with danger. Messrs H. and G. Bull, L. T. Symes. and other neighbors to Air. Hair were quickly on tho scene, worked energetically to carryout his furniture and effects, and also assisted to replace them after the danger was over. The Fire Brigade were on the scene of the fire, nearly one and a-lialf miles . from the station, within a quarter of an hour and, a good pressure of water being available, rendered valuable service.