BURNING OF LAUNCH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10806, 29 December 1926, Page 8

BURNING OF LAUNCH

LONG BATTLE WITH. FLAMES. 1 (Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, December 28. : Further details of the burning of . the Auckland-owned launch Ttewhiti, at Kawau Island, on Sunday morning, were received by wireless from the island, when it was learned that mi J M Pine, a member of the crew, had been badly burned about the right arm when endeavouring to suppress the flames. Mr Pine was brought to Auckland later by the fast launch Latex, and was admitted to the Auckland Hospital for treatment. . His condition is reported as being fairly satisWhile the Pewhiti, which is owned by Mr R. W. Masefield, of Devonport was lying in Mansion House Bay, it suddenly burst into flames. When endeavouring; to check the outbreak Mr iPine's clothing caught fire, and his arm was badly burned before he iumr-ed overboard to save himself. At the time of the outbreak the Mansion House tennis tournament was in progress, and the players and yachtsmen from other craft in the bay hastened to the rescue. A number of fire extinguishers were brought into use but the fire had a good hold and could not be controlled. In spite of the fact that there were 24 cases of benzine aboard, the yachtsmen continued their efforts, and finally scuttled the vessel after a fight lasting half an hour. • ' . Mr Pine received prompt attention from two doctors who were staying on the island, after which he was brought to Auckland. ■ The Bewhiti had a party of 10 aboard, and some of, these returned to Auckland aboard the Latex, while the others transferred to other launches. ' The burned launch was later raised and towed to Two House Bay. It \ was ' found that the decking and interior fittings were burned, but that the hull was practically undamaged. The holes made. in the * bottom when she was scuttled were covered with canvas;, and she was brought to Auckland. There were no insurances on the Pewhiti, which was built only last year.