ENVELOPED IN FLAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18896, 19 December 1924, Page 13

ENVELOPED IN FLAMES.

FIJI LAUNCH ON FIRE.

PLANTER'S NARROW ESCAPE.

[FROM OL'K OWN COKttESPONnF.NT.]

SUVA. Dec. 13.

A wel'-known Fiji planter and banana buyer, Mr. Alfred Witherow, who is also president of the Fiji Planters' Association, had a close call about one o'clock on Thursday morning. Jfc had been buying fruit for shipment to Auckland by the Kaiwarrn, and was towing the punt load of bananas down the Rewa River. When opposite the Government station Mr. Witherow, who had fallen asleep in the cabin, while leading, awakened to find himself enveloped in flames. He saw there was only one chance of escape, and that was to dive througli the raging (lames to the one door. He wore "shorts" and shirt, both fairly stout. As it was, by the time ho got. through and out on deck, he was a mass <>t burns and bruises. His native bov, who had been steering, helped him into the small boat and rowed him ashore to the inspector's house. Inspector Judd hurried him into his car and drove him to Nausori, where Dr. Ramsey applied first-aid, and then thev drove him to the Suva Hospital. He is suffei ing from burns on the legs and arms and hands and others on the face, and fiom shock. His condition is not serious. The launch sank in the river.