Former Opononi Man Victim Of John Burns’ Fire

Northern Advocate, 4 September 1941, Page 3

Former Opononi Man Victim Of John Burns’ Fire

ISpecial to "Northern Advocate"l AUCKLAND, This Day. Tile death occurred in a private hospital yesterday of Mr. Francis Harold Baker, who was injured in a fall when he was escaping from the fire at the warehouse of John Burns and Co., Ltd., a little more than two weeks ago. Mr. Baker, who was married and had two children, was aged 47, and was a son of Mr. F. J. Baker of Opononi, Hold an ga. He had been in the employ of John Burns and Co. for about 30 years, and for the past 12 years had been cashier. He was a returned soldier, having served in the Great War as a sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, Auckland Regiment, and was awarded the military medal. Fell From Verandah On the morning of the fire Mr. Baker was in his office on the first floor, and when he realised the building was on fire, he put his books in the safe before making his escape to the front of the premises. From a window he slepped on to the roof of the Customs Street verandah, and it was when he was preparing to descend to the street level that he fell and received injuries to his head which rendered him unconscious.

An inquest was opened today, and the burial will take place later at Opononi.