A DREADFUL BURNING FATALITY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2, 2 January 1903, Page 5

A DREADFUL BURNING FATALITY.

AT A CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS

■t PARTY,

WHILE TAKING A PART AS

SANTA CLAUS,

BATHURST, N.S.W., December 26. 1 A terribly painful burning fatality occurred last night at a Christmas party for children at the residence of Mr. W. J. Clunies Ross, science master at the Technical X!ollege, through which Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Newton lost her life. In the evening , a children's party met at Mr. Ross' to celebrate Christmas, and Mrs. Newton, dressed as Father Christmas, wore a cloak of scarlet felt, trimmed with cotton wool. She had arranged the affair entirely herself, and a large tree had been prepared, from which were hanging- presents and toys for the assembled children. Mrs. Newton was engaged in handing the presents to the children, who received them with great glee, because of the presence' of Santa Claus. When the tree was almost cleared Mr. Ross suggested that the remainder of the candles be blown out, for fear that the tree would catch alight, but Mrs. Newton replied, "No, not yet," and continued her work. Almost immediately afterwards, as Mrs. Newton turned round, Mr. Ross noticed that the front of her dress had caught fire. Rushing forward he tried to extinguish the flames with his hands, but being unsuccessful he took off his coat and threw it around her. The flames had by this increased to such an extent that such aid was not sufficient, and the flames rushed up to her head and also extended downwards. Mrs. Newton's injuries were very severe, the upper part of the body being badly burned. She was also suffering intensely from shock, but she was conscious, and spoke at intervals. At her request she was placed in the private ward in the hospital, and after her arrival there rallied somewhat. But about nine o'clock this morning she succximbed to her injuries.

A magisterial inquiry was held before Mr. C. N. O'Neill, Coroner. The finding -was that deceased died from shock, the effect of burns accidentally received.

Mrs. Newton was a widow. For several years she has been principal of Wyoming private ladies' school. As a teacher she excelled, and was generally respected. One son survives his mother.

In his endeavours to extinguish the flames Mr. Ross was severely burnt about the hands and face, and is still suffering acute pain.