Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Tuesday 5 November 1907, page 9


THE RICHMOND FIRE

ORIGIN NOT KNOWN.

The fire at Richmond Park early on Monday morning, as reported in "The Advertiser" yesterday, almost completely destroyed Mr. J. H. Aldridge's fine residence, which was one of the landmarks of the district. The dwelling consisted of 11 rooms. 10 of which were totally destroyed. A piano, a couple of bedsteads, and a few chairs were the only articles saved.

Mr. Aldridge says that all the inmates retired at 11.30 p.m. on Sunday and everything was then apparently right, but at 1 a.m. on Monday he was called by his daughter, Miss Margaret Aldridge, who told him that the kitchen and sitting-room were on fire. When he rushed out he found those two rooms burnt down, and, in consequence of the strong wind, the fire spread with great rapidity to the main portion of the building. Owing to the great heat the electric bells started ringing. He immediately telephoned the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and called the inmates of the house. The brigade managed to save one

room.

Miss Margaret Aldridge says she retired at 11.30 p.m. At 1 a.m. on Monday she was awakened by the heavy wind and rain and a crackling noise. She got up and after looking through the window called her father. There was a fire burning in an open fireplace in the sitting-room before the family retired on Sunday night.

Constable Barrien says that at 2 a.m. on Monday he was called by Constable Ryan, of Thebarton, who informed him that a fire had broken out at Richmond. He proceeded to Richmond Park and found the residence of Mr. Aldridge burnt down. Ten rooms of the dwelling had been completely destroyed. He made a careful search, but could not trace the origin of the fire, although he was strongly of the opinion that owing to the strong wind blowing a spark escaped from an open fireplace on to some mats which were on the floor and caused the outbreak.

The Coroner has been informed of the occurrence.

The main dwelling-house Was insured in the Norwich Union Company for £1,600 and the contents in the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand for £1,200. It is understood that Messrs. Davies & Rutt, the architects of the building, have complete plans of the residence, so the reinstatement should not be a matter of much difficulty.