Page 8 Advertisements Column 1

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 85, 8 October 1915, Page 8

FATAL FIRE ♦ NATIVE HOSTELRY DESTROYED • . THREE LIVES LOST. SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED. (BT TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WHANGAREI, This Day. A fatal fire occurred at Whangarei at 2.30 o'clock this morning,- wberf the j Mapuna Private Hotel, used as a Maori hostelry, and its contents, were totally destroyed. The building was occupied by about 37 Natives, most of whom were in. for the Native Land Court. It was a wooden building, and the fire spread rapidly and was soon out of control of the brigade. After the fire it was found that three persons were missing — A. Oxley,- a native of Barbadoes, aged 51, the pro*rie£br; his son, aged -12 ; and a Native named Paihopa. They had perished in the flames. Many Natives had 'narrow escapes and had to descend from v the verandah in their night clothes. A cottage property adjoining was also, 'destroyed, but the contents were uaved. The hotel was insured for £75Q.; there was nothing on .the contents. The estimated loss is £1800. The Maori victim was an uncle of Mr. Tau Henare, M.P. Sensational developments are expected. There are indications, that Oxley shot his son^ and committed suicide, after firing the house. He left a letter for Mr. andMrs. Hayds, Taumarunui, stating that he intended to commit suicide. The British Dominions General Insurance/ Company will cover all your loss by -fire. Ask for the rates at their office, Panama-street, and secure yourself from all risks. — Advt. * '