Dickie, David

also see Arthur Charles Clegg

Evening Post 19 February 1923
TAITA LANDMARK DESTROYED
The old Welch homestead, a large two-storied dwelling — an old and familiar landmark to Hutt Valley residents — situated on the main Hutt Road, Taita, opposite the Anglican Church, was totally destroyed by fire between 4.30 and 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. The property was sold by Mr. M. W. Welch some time ago to Mr. David Dickie, of Wellington, and it was in the occupation of Mr. A. C. Clegg.
About 4 a.m., two men who work on the place went through the kitchen on their way to work and noticed no sign of fire. About 4.20 one of them returned to call Mr. Clegg, and still noticed nothing amiss; but when Mr. Clegg came down at 4.30 the fire had reached the ceiling near the fireplace.
Mr. Clegg''s two children were hurriedly removed, and Mrs. Clegg want upstairs to rouse her father, Mr. Win. Taylor; and by the time this was accomplished the only exit was through an upstairs window and on to a lean to roof.
In jumping down to the ground, about twelve feet, Mrs. Clegg fell and injured her face. She was removed to the Wellington Hospital. Mr. Taylor escaped without injury. The children got out in their night-clothes, and the others with very scanty clothing. The house and contents were totally destroyed.
The dairy, which stood some distance away, was also destroyed.
No fire had been lit in the range from the previous day.