BURNED TO DEATH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 270, 28 August 1935, Page 3

BURNED TO DEATH

OLD MAN TRAPPED IN WHARE.

NEIGHBOURS UNABLE TO AID.

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, August 27

Air John O’Leary was burned to death when the one-roomed wliare in which lie lived alone at Itiyerhead was destroyed by lire to-night. It is believed that Air Q’lieary. who was 82, collapsed after lighting a lire and that the flames, uncontrolled, spread rapidly until the whole building was ablaze, An attempt at rescue was made by Mr S. R. Gould (postmaster and storekeeper), but he was driven hack by the flames.

The whare occupied by Air O’Leary was one of live situated well back from the road. The occupants of the other four cottages, all old men, were not disturbed, and the alarm was not given until the flames had a strong hold.

“It was seen that the whar© was burning and i was called about 6.20,” Air Gould said. “I was the flrst to reach the wliare, and broke open the door with a piece of wood, but the flames burst out and made it impossible to enter. The people who came to help could do nothing, and we just had to stand by and wait until the lire had burned itself out.” It was not known at first whether Air O’Leary was in the building, although anxiety was felt for his safety, Mr Gould continued. When the fire had subsided sufficiently to enable an inspection to be made, however, the charred remains of his body were found near the fireplace. Air O’Leary, who had resided at feuverdale before removing to Riverhead about two years ago, visited Auckland to-day. He returned to Riverhead by motor-launch about 6 o’clock, and was then in a weak state, having to be supported for a short distance after leaving the launch. It is not known whether Mr 0 Leaiy had any relatives in New Zealand.