HEROINE OF 77

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6902, 7 May 1929, Page 4

HEROINE OF 77

DIED IN VAIN TRYING TO SAVE DAUGHTER

FARM BUNGALOW BLAZE

A farmer’s wife and daughter were burned to death in their home at Ropley, near Winchester. Just before midnight Mrs. Rose Wyeth, the farmer’s wife, woke to find their bungalow ablaze. Despite her 77 years, Mrs. Wyeth made an heroic effort to rescue her 49-year-old invalid daughter, and in doing so was trapped, with the daughter, in the flames.

Mr. Wyeth, who is 84, had been in time to escape through a door. His three sons found their only way out was through the window. They smashed the window, and jumped through.

They tried to re-enter the bungalow hy another way, but the building was burning furiously, and it was impossible for them to get back to save the two women.

When firemen from Alresford, seven miles away, arrived, the roof had fallen in, and the bungalow and its contents were a blazing mass.

The body of Mrs. Wyeth was found with the cashbox and house deed 3 underneath it.

“I was awakened by my mother shouting ‘Fire!’ said Mr. George Wyeth. “The room was full of smoke, and when I opened the bedroom door I was forced back by smoke and flames. I broke the window and got out, and my brothers followed me. I rushed round and tried to get in at the door, but this part of the house was a furnace, and it was impossible to get in. I ran back to my sister’s room, but by this time nothing could be done."

A gale fanned the flames, and the bungalow; was burned to the ground.