TWO NATIVES BURNED IN A WHARE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9094, 30 June 1888, Page 5

TWO NATIVES BURNED IN A WHARE.

Oi'R Kaivakawa correspondent writes :— On last Tuesday, during tho daytime, a whare near the Sulphur ike, not far from Ohaoawai, v, as seen to be on tire, and before any assistance could reach the spot- it was found to be completely burn to ashes. It soon became known that a blind Maori woman, ay tsi 60, who wad also weak and ailing, and a lad of some four or five years of nge. was living, with her, in tho whare, and as neither was seen about, it was painfully supposed they Were burned in the whare, and immediate search was made among the ashes, when the charred remains of the old woman who was named Hikorangi, and the boy, Kahutu, were discovered. It was then about two p.m., and it is supposed thatafter their dinner they had fallen asleep, and before they could escape, or rescue come, they were burned to death. The charred remains were removed to the township, and an inquest was held at the Ohaeawui Hotel on Thursday, the "J Ist. instant. Mr. Davis, .LP., Waimate, lootedas coroner. Constable Hughes represented the police. There was little or no information save the bare facts of the case, and the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." These accidents to raupo shares arc constantly occurring, and frequently with loss of life, a- the tire spreads with great rapidity. It teems most surprising that the natives do not adopt more safe and secure abodes. They still cling to their old habits.