SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 5465, 24 January 1885, Page 2

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE.

Man Suffooatod In Elliott-street.

A- outbreak of lire opuutcil HhorUy boforo i o'clock tliif morning it) :i house in Elliot LBtvoot,loasod ivy AfrMcKinloy, sign-painter, The alarm was given when ihu flamofl were breaking througli the roof, and the Firo Brigade, under Senior Foreman Harloy was on tho ground within a minute or two afterward*. The fire had obtained a good hold of tho building, but it could not make any headway against the immense volume of water poured upon it. Ten minutes, therefore, saw it practically extinguished. Tho buildinr' is a two-story one, iti Elliott-street, close to tho Market entrance. It is leased by Mr MoKinlay from the owner, Mr David Kcan, who is a jeweller in Messrs Kohn's employ at Wellington. Mr McKinlay used the ground lloor on tho northern bido as a workshop, while tho upper lloor was lot to Mr Davis, saddler, also as a workshop; while Mr J. 11. Holmes, scenic artist of Abbott's Opera House, had his workshop in the samo portion of the building, and elept in the front room. Mr Harrid, who is in bad health, resided with his family in the southern division of the block. Mr Hams, it may be mentioned, was removed safely from the burning building while tho firo was in progress. Immediately after the flames had been extinguished, the customary search was made through the building, when the naked body of Holmes was found lying on its back on tho floor upstairs. It was not scorched, but the skin had peeled off from tho intense heat. It was evident that death had been caused by suffocation. Several magazines, partially charred, wore found by his pillow, leading to the inference that he had been reading in bed, and had set the place on fire. Holmes, who was upwards of tixty years of age, is said to have two daughters in Sydney. The romainsof the deceased were allowed to remain in the building, ponding the inquest which was to have been held this afternoon. Tho building which has susiainoil comparatively alight damage, was insured in the South British office for £250. The contents of the building wore not very nerioualy injured.