Woman hurt in blaze

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 1

Woman hurt in blaze

The Amuri Ski Club’s day hut was destroyed by fire about midnight yesterday, and a Christchurch woman, the only occupant, was burned on the face and hands, and admitted to the Queen Mary Hospital at Hanmer Springs. Mrs Josephine Lorna Hall, of Halswell, was one of six adults with a party of 24 school-children staying at the ski-field. She had to run through flames after the fire broke out. An oil-burning heater is thought to have exploded. Her condition in hospital yesterday was described as satisfactory. The hut was destroyed, and it is estimated that its replacement will cost about $20,000. About 30 pairs of ski boots were lost in the fire.

The children, two mothers, two instructors, and the club’s caretaker were taken to Hanmer Springs early in the morning. One of the bunk rooms in the second hut, where all but Mrs Hall were sleeping, will be converted to a kitchen, and the club’s activities will return to normal today. The Canterbury junior ski championships will be held there this week-end as scheduled.