Rosetta Skinner

The Mercury Hobart Tas Wednesday 2 March 1921
Fire at Huonville. Well Known Homestead completely destroyed.
Cygent, March 1. The residence of Mr John Skinner Clifton Grove, an old and well known homestead, lying between Huonville and Glen Huon, was early this morning, together with all its contents, completely destroyed by fire. About 4 am Miss Vince a maid employed in the house, was awakened by the crackling of fire and the suffocating effect of dense smoke. She at once rushed to Mr and Mrs Skinner's bedroom and told them of their danger and then ran outside and called loudly for help. Mr W R Cordwell and his son, who were occupying a hut nearby, were the first to respond to the alarm, and running to the house, found that half of it was lamost entirely enveloped in flames. The first anxiety was for Mr Skinner, who is very aged, being about 87.
and an invalid and rushing in, they found him being attended by Mrs Skinner who is herself over 80.
A minute or so afterwards, Mr William Skinner their son arrived on the scene and carried his father to safety.
The flames spread with alarming rapidity, and before much furniture was removed the fire fighters
had to adandon their efforts. Only a small portion of the furniture was moved.
Up to the present those interested do not seem to be exactly certain as to the extent of the insurance, but it is believed it only respresents a very small amount, and not sufficient to cover half the damage done.
The origin of the fire is not clear, but it is probable that it was caused by a spark from the stove, as the back was the first part of the house to be consumed.
The homestead which was a large one of 13 or 14 rooms was one of the landmarks of the district.
Fortunately , there was no wind at the time so that a number of outbuildings containing valuable orchard requisites and other things escaped undamaged. Great sympathy is felt for the aged couple in their loss.
Mr Skinner is of course a well known identity having been one of the sturdiest of the old pioneers, and also one of the best respected men in the Huon.