DISASTROUS FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIV, Issue 14044, 29 April 1920, Page 6

DISASTROUS FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

(Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, April 29. A disastrous fire occurred in the. city about two o'clock this morning at the Metropolitan Hotel, at the corner of Queen street and Durham street west. Fortunately there was no loss of life, but more than one occupant were more or less seriously burned •in escaping. The hotel was. almost completely gutted in the upper storey and great damage was done below by smoke and water. The fire broke out in the third storev, and spread with great rapidity. The occupants, including 20 boarders, were suddenly aroused from their sleep. They had no' time to dress and had to make an immediate dash for safety down the fire escapes and stairs. John Osborne, third cook, who was amongst the last to learn of the fire, made a. dash for one of the front windows facing Queen street. The flames were all round him. Apparently overcome by the heat and with his clothes burning | Osborne collapsed on the fire escape, and lav with his feet caught in the ironwork "calling for help. His snffenngs miist have been intense, and a sigh ot relief went up from the small crowd that had gathered when it was seen that Osborne had been able to catch the framework of the fire escape, pull himself up, and then, drop to the verandah below, a distance of about ten feet. The unfortunate man was lmmeamtely assisted into the street and taken to the hospital by motor car, suffering from severe burns about the head and arms, but able to walk into the ward after receiving attention. Mrs Sliand, who occupied-a room on the top floor, stated that she was prou=ed bv a man who told her to dress immediately and leave the building. The flame/ spread so rapidly that they had barelv time to put on coats and make a da'sh for the side entrance down stairs By this time the passage-way was full of smoke. Mrs Shand stated that they were among the last out.