FATAL HOTEL FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 15929, 8 October 1915, Page 4

FATAL HOTEL FIRE

THREE l.m-iS LOST. SENSATIONAL DEV l-AOPM ENTS EXPECTED. [Per United Press Association.] WHANGAREL October 8. A fatal fire occurred at- 2-50 this morning. when the Mapuna. Private Hotel, used as a Maori hostelry, and its contents were totally destroyed. The building was occupied by about 38 Natives, most of whom were attending the Native Land Court, it was a wooden burbling, and the tire spread rapidly, and got out of. control of lire brigade. After- lire, lire it was found that throe persons had perished—A. (lx ley (a native of Barhadoes, aged 51, proprietor) and his son (aged 12). also a Native named Paihopa. Many Natives had narrow escapes, and had to descend from the verandah in their night atriro. A cottage property adjoining was also destroyed, hut tire contents were saved. Ihe hotel was insured for £750. The'e was nothing on Dm contents. Tire estimated 10-s is £I.BOO. The (Maori victim was an uncle of Mr Tau Hen are, M.P. Sensational developments are expected, as there are indications that Oxlev shot his son and committed suicide after firing the house. Oxley left a letter for Mr ami Mrs Havdes. of Taumarumri. stating that be. intended to commit suicide.