Burnt to Death.

Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle, Volume XI, Issue 522, 18 May 1915, Page 5

Burnt to Death.

Avery distressing fatality took place thi? morning about 1 a.m., which resulted m the death of Mr Donald Matheaon, aged 46, son of Mr E. Matheson, storekeeper, Otautau. Deceased had been m the employ of Mr Frank Duncan, Marakoa, and has been carting grain into Otautau for 'the past fortnight, Reaching home last evening about 7 o'clock he had tea, fed his horses, and retired to his hut. George Ward, a boy of 14, and son :>f Mr Frank Ward, a neighbouring farmer, visited the deceased and spent the evening with him, leaving for home at about 9.80 p.m, when deceased had gone- to bed smoking a cigarette, the fire being banked. A fa-park must have ignited the bed clothes, or else deceased must have dropped off to sleep smoking, judging by his position when found. About 1 a.m Mr Duncan was wak- 1 ened hy cracklings and looking out i saw the hut m flames. Going out he g t an axe and made a hole ia the wail neat the bunk, but flames shot out and stopped any attempt at respue. He went to the telephone bureau then find rang for the police and doctor. Pr, Scevart, of Otautau, and Congtable McClinchy proceeded immediately to Marakoa, the hut. being then m. runs. Messrs Ward, Obilt.n Duncan and tbe constable lifted aside the iron and uncovered the corpse. Both arms from the elbows and j)otb legg from the Jmees were borne away, and no trace remained, .wliile one' eK-fe of the head was also burnt. It is practically certain that deceased was suffocated before being burnt and would thu3 suffer little pain. The inquest will be held to-monow morning at XX a.m m the Qtautau Courthouse before the * Coroner, ■ Mr £. Hutchison,