The Franz Joseph Fire

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 August 1947, Page 4

The Franz Joseph Fire

Sir, —As a survivor of the fire at the Franz Joseph Hotel recently, and an interested reader of the inquiry evidence later, I felt rather sorry for Mr Epps, who undoubtedly was hard put to it in making his exit, in common with all others on the top floor. It is quite understandable that one’s predicament could cause confusion, insofar as getting out was concerned. Added to this, Mr Epps was seriously burned, and was hurriedly evacuated after the fire to the hospital, where he remained on the seriously ill list for several days, which gave him little opportunity to read the papers let alone refute the reports contained therein. In the circumstances, this might have been unfortunate for him, but he chose the course of awaiting the inquiry to right any wrong impressions that got abroad, which I am quite certain were no invention of his. I am pleased to see Mr Epps about again, and wish him a complete recovery, and forgetfulness of the whole tragedy.-Yoursete, Greymouth, August 14.