THE FIRE AT ROTORUA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 27, 1 February 1896, Page 5

THE FIRE AT ROTORUA.

Fukther particulars are now available regarding tho fatal fire at Kotorua. Dominick Farrell, the man who was, burned to death was in the employ of Mr Alley, coach builder. He arrived recently from To Puke with a native wife and child. At the time of the tire the famiiy were on a visit to Mokoia Island. Tho injured man Rosb came to Rotorua from Tauranga. He has made a statement that being unable to force his way through the flamea to the stair, he returned to his room, his clothing being then in flames. Ho jumped through the window and ran up the road in tho direction of the Rotorujft Hotel till he fell exhausted, where he was subsequently found. Both Farrell and PvOSij were sober men. Mr Maunders is burned about the head and neck, and his wife injured her leg while jumping from the window. Harry Miles has been sent to the Waikato Hospital, as he is badly burned about the wrists. Mr Maunders states that he left a candle lighted on a piece of board on the top of an oil drum while he went out. Beneath the stairs, and close to the candle, was a quantity of scrim, also pots of varnißh and paint. On returning he picked up the candle, nob observing any sign of smouldering fire. Owing to his wile calling attention to a strange, crackling noise, he saw light through the interstices of the wall. Ho wonb out on the landing to rouse the inmates, but found it impossible to do so.