FIRE AT WINTON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9139, 11 February 1910, Page 6

FIRE AT WINTON.

. % HOTEL AND SHOPS BURNT. (Per Pbess Association.) INVERCARGILL, Feb. 11. /Further details regarding the lire by which the Railway Hotel at Winton, aii j old land-mark for nearly half a century. was totally destroyed by fire, show that j. Thomas Mclnery, aged 38, brother-in-law of Keith, the proprietor, was burned to death. Deceased was employed as barman, and at the time was in sole charge of the hotel, Mr and Mrs Keith having started on the previous day on a motor trip to Dunedin. The incinerated remains of the deceased were discovered about midday, there being evidence that he had been endeavouring to save the cash box and books, the remains of which were "found alongside the body. There were not many boarders in the house at the. time. Those who were there found great difficulty in. escaping. Pierce's hairdressing saloon alongside the hotel was also destroyed, but Coombe's livery stables at the rear were saved, though the side and top ignited. The Bank of New Zealand was in imminent danger, the projecting eaves taking fire frequently, but the promptness of the bucket brigade saved the build-' ing. The insurances on the hotel were £700 on the building,. £525 on the furniture, and £100 on. the stock in the New Zealand, Yorkshire, and North British. Pierce's insurance amounted to £200 in the Standard. The stables were insured for £225 in the South British and NewZealand. The damage is estimated at £30. It is supposed that the fire started in the kitchen, where tho hotel porter at, about 5.30 had lit up the stove before leaving for Keith's farm. •