SERIOUS OUTBREAK AT BIRKENHEAD.

Press, Volume XIIX, Issue 14553, 2 January 1913, Page 7

SERIOUS OUTBREAK AT BIRKENHEAD.

MAN BURNT TO DEATH

(press ASSOCIATION telegram.)

AUCKLAND, January 1

Serious damage and loss of life were caused by a fire at Birkenhead early this morning. It originated in a small cottage near the ferry wharf, and completely destroyed this building and also two stables and other structures comprising part ot Messrs C. Verran and Sons hostelry yard. Within an hour these buildings wero gutted and then the charred remains of Thomas McLean, a retired master manner, 70 years of age, who had occupied tho cottage, wore found among the embers.

The fire was first seen by Captain Benjamin Poole, and he immediately aroused Mr J. Verran, who was sleeping close by. Flames were bursting; out of tho windows of the cottage, and although the presence of . McLean in the cottage was surmised, all attempts to approach it were rendered futile by the intense heat.

The buildings destroyed covered about three-quarters of an acre. Tho available water supply was in tanks on the seaward side ol the burning building, and therefore unattainable. Nothing could be done except to puil down all the buildings connecting with tho neighbouring premises. Some half a dozen neighbours, aroused by the fire, lent willing assistance, but without appliances they were unable to combat tho flames, which, helped by a stiff easterly breeze, made a clean sweep of everything under an hour. Unexpected assistance arrived in two long-boats from man-o'-war Cormoran. They had put off at first sight of the fire.' Tho crew carried a full outfit of ropes, buckets, hatchets, smoke jackets, and helmets, and attacked the dangerous sheds with such effect that everything was soon in comparative safety. Had it not been for their prompt action, half a dozen houses which adjo : n ccch other would probably have been destroyed.

Mr Vorran -estimates the damag© at £2000. The premises wero insured, but tho amount of tho cover cannot be ascertained.

At the inquest on. McLean tho jury rotumed a death of accidental cfeath. McLean leaves a widow, five eons and tw-o daughters. He was in receipt of tho old ago pension.

At 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon the Firo Brigado received a call to 293 Moorhouso avenue, whero a firo had broken out in the house of Mr W, Parsons. Tho firo iv* soon extinguished, but considerable damage was don© to one of the bedrooms. The building was insured for £300 in tho Royal office.