OVERPOWERED BY FUMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17205, 5 July 1919, Page 8

OVERPOWERED BY FUMES.

FAMILY'S NARROW ESCAPE. EARLY MORNING INCIDENT. TWO PEOPLE UNDER TREATMENT. An unusual misfortune betel' a family residing in Karangahape Road, near the. Ponsonby Road corner, at about three o'clock yesterday morning. Some excavations have been made in the footpath in connection with the electric power service, and it is stated that fumes from the fusing of material used in connection with the mains entered the residence attached to the City Council's waterworks depot. The occupants of the hous». consisted of Mr. G. Rewcastle, the engineer in charge, his wife and son and daughter. The fumes almost completely overpowered the family, and Mr. Rewcastle, while endeavouring to assist his wife to safety, fell on the floor. Miss Rewcastle succeeded in reaching the telephone and despatching a message to the Newton police station, which is near the louse. Three members of the police force were soon on the spot, and they rendered all possible assistance. Mr. and Mrs. Rewcastle were removed from the house, Mrs. Rewcastle being taken to the Public Hospital and Mr. Rewcastle to the residence of his son in Bond Street, Archhill. Their son and daughter were also '■■ affected by the fumes, but not to any serious extent. Mrs. Rewcastle was re- ■ ported last evening to lie doing as well as ; could be expected. Mr. Rewcastle was i still confined to his bed last evening and : was under medical care. ]