FIRE AT MURCHISON

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1927, Page 4

FIRE AT MURCHISON

-MAX HI'EXT TO DEATH. <% Telegraph—Per Press Association.) AIURCHISCX, (ht. 23. The Coinniercial Hotel, Murchison, was totally destroyed liy lire at 4 '•'clock this morning, with the hiss, of one lile an I several injured, Many other 1 'carders had no warning and only managed to escape in their night, attire, with the total loss of their personal effects. If is understood that the lire originated in one of the hack lied rooms in the oldest portion of the hotel, hut the cause ol the outbreak is unknown. 'I ho building was a substantial wooden structure containing thirty-six rooms, and was well known to the travelling public. Fanned by a slight wind, the Haines took a speedy hold, and within twenty minutes the whole building was demolished. Tile casualties are as follows:—. Bert Roulston, boot repairer, dead. Mr Tom (Barclay, farmer, badly burned about the head, hack, and arms. Miss Shea, sister of the proprietor, slight abrasions and shock. Miss Flo Finnerty, maid, injury to leg and shock. The injured are in the hospital and are progressing fnvourbaly. The building was owned by Mr J. Dunean. of Nelson, and leased by Air J. A. Shea, formerly of Fairlie. Practically everything was destroyed, and loth owner and lessee are heavy losers. The insurances are at present unavailable. Had a strong wind sprung up, the whole township would have been endangered. As it was, the Ross Hotel, McXee's store, and the school house were fortunate in escaping destruction. Volunteer workers were instrumental in this direction. 'l'he proprietors of the Boss Hotel extended hospitality to the sufferers, and many residents willingly provided wearing apparel. The remains of the deceased were located at 10 a.m., and will he held pending an inquest.