WELLINGTON FIRE FATALITY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 273, 27 November 1901, Page 2

WELLINGTON FIRE FATALITY.

INQUEST OX BODY OF LATE MR CRAWFORD. HIS TERRIBLE DEATH. ‘Ry Telegraph—Tress Association.] Wellington, last night. An inquest opened tu-uuy concerning the death of William Isaac Crawford, who met his death through injuries received by the burning of the Oriental Hotel on Monday morning. The medicai evidence showed that de-

ceased was terribly burned abou: the head, j anus and body, and also on the tongue ; and throat. Crawford occupied a room on j the second door, and was aroused by the night porter, a Negro, who appears to nave acted with great bravery and presence of mind throughout. How Crawford reached tiie street is not yet clear, but he was found wandering about on the railway station in great agony. He told the hospital surgeon that he had been drinking on the previous night. Death j was due to shock. The evidence was not concluded, and j the enquiry was adjourned until Monday, j The deceased was a married man. i He came down from Masterton on Wed- ’ nesday last He had been living in the Wellington district tor the last two or three years. He was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and the only surviving son of the late Robert Crawford, of County Sligo. He was mostly engaged during his colonial career in scholastic and literary work. At one time he was a master at the Newington College, Sydney, and later at Aruiidale Grammar School. He went to Queensland, and was engaged in teaching work at Bundaberg. During the whole of this time Crawford was a constant contributor to many Australian papers. For some time past lie has resided at Masterton, where he was engaged in coaching. He leaves a widow (who is a well-known miniature painter) and two infant children.