POISONED BY FUMES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 15 August 1925, Page 10

POISONED BY FUMES.

» ■ FIBE ON A LAUNCH. A TALE OF HEROISM. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, Friday. A sad sequel to fire which occurred on the launch Karoro on Wednesday evening was the death of Mr. Roderick McGregor at Whangarei hospital this afternoon. While the launch Karoro was going down the harbour on Wednesday evening during a fierce gale a leak occurred in tlie benzine pipe leading from the tank to the engine. By some means fire broke out, and Mr. Roderick McGregor, under great difficulty, owing to the boat wallowing in a heavy sea, managed to subdue the flames with a, chemical fire extinguisher, but he was badly poisoned by the fumes. • But for Mr. McGregor's action in tackling the outbreak the consequences would have been very serious to the passengers aboard the launch, who included three women and two children, had the fire got beyond control, with such a heavy sea running. Mr. McGregor, who was rendered unconscious, was landed at McLeod's Bay and taken to Mr. L. Harnett's'house for the night. Yesterday he was brought to Whangarei and admitted to the hospital in a serious condition, death ensuing this afternoon.

Mr. McGregor was a jingle man, 28 years of age, and a son of the late Mr. Donald McGregor, of Whangarei Heads. He was engaged with his brother in the passenger and towing trade with the launch Karoro.