TWO FATAL FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18946, 18 February 1925, Page 10

TWO FATAL FIRES.

MYSTERIOUS EXPLOSION. AN OLD MAN PERISHES. SENSATION AT STRATFORD. [EX TSLKGJUKat.—OWN CORMCSPOKDBNTI NEW PLYMOUTH, Tuesday An old man named Herman Ringer v..' -. burned to death in a fire which destroyed his home on tho outskirts of Stratford lato last evening. Tho deceased lived alone in a fonrroomed house, two miles from Stratford. Shortly after eleven o'clock tho residents of Stratford were startled by a terrific explosion, which was heard in all parts of tfee town, and a few minutes later the firebells rang out. A vivid reflection in the sky directed the brigade down the Opunake Road, where Ringer's house was found to be burning furiously. As the house was situated beyond the borough area no water supply was available so the firemen were helpless. The structure was soon wrapped in flames, and in a few minutes the roof and walls collapsed, the wreckage momentarily bursting into flame with renewed vigour until nothing remained but blazing debris. The explosion is unexplained, but there is no doubt that it preceded the fire. It aroused no little alarm, and no less than 60 motor-cars gathered at the scene. Mr. Ringer was a well-known personality, and as it was known that he was aged and nearly blind, anxiety was felt concerning his fate. No sign of him was to v be found, and thinking that perhaps he had mado a hurried exit to a neighbour's house people made search, but without result. As the fire died down tho police and others searched the wreckage and portions of a burned body were found, establishing the fate of the man. The origin of the explosion and the cause of the fire remain a mystery. BOYS TRAPPED IN WHARE. ESCAPE BADLY BURKED. YOUNGER LAD SUCCUMBS* [BX TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. J MCJRCinSON. Tuesday. A dreadful burning, attended with fatal results, occurred at Newton Flat at thro*, o'clock this morning. A whare occupied by two lads, Charlos and Arthur Curtis, aged 12 and 18 respectively, caught fire. The lads got out, but they were badly burned, and were conveyed to the Murchison Hospital in Mr. Spiers' motor-car, and were attended to immediately by Dr. Page. The younger boy, who had received the worst burns, died after his admission to tho institution. The condition of the elder lad is serious, but hopes aro entertained for his recovery.