FIRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2674, 14 June 1905, Page 61

FIRE.

TWO LIVES LOST IN A HOTEL FIRE.

THAMES, June 11. At 3 o'clock this morning the Brian Boru Eotel, a two-storeyed buildins containing over 40 rooms, was discovered to be on fire, which commenced in' the large eastern wiug. The flames spread with, great rapidity along the passage of the upper storey, rendering the escape of the occupants difficult The fire had obtained a firm hold when the brigade appeared, and was only suppressed when the whole upper portion was destroyed and the lower part completely gutted All the inmates managed to escape, many clad only in nighfc apparel, except two — John M'Nab. a member of the firm of Mason and M'Nab, monumental masons, Auckland, and Joseph Sheldon, a bushman from the Turua district, near Thames. The bedrooms of both wer-e situated in the portion of the building where the fire raged fiercest. "When the fire wa-s overcome the bodies of the unfortunate men were discovered in their rooms. M'Nab was partly dressed, and had evidently endeavoured to reach the door when ha was overcome by the suffocating" fumes, to which he succumbed. The body which was found alongside the bed, was partly burnt. Sheldon must Lave been, asphyxiated with greater suddenness. His body waa found lying across the bed. only slightly burnt. M'Nab was about 50 years of age. He leaves a wife and family in, Auckland. Sheldon was a single man, and! is believed to have no relatives in the colony. Many of the inmates had nanow ■escapes, and lost everything, including a goodly quantity of jewellery and valuables. The hotel was owned and occupied by Kate Twohill. an old resident of the Thames. The hotel was only rebuilt a few months ago t

NELSON, June 11. A fire broke out at 3 o'clock this morning iv the stores of Messrs Rankin and) Sons, at Motueka, and spread to the shop of Mr Kidson, the insurance office, and 1 Forrester's HaJl. These were all completely destioyed. The premises of Delany and King were saved with great difficulty. Mr Rudman, of the telegraph office, was slightly Iran, and Mr E Richards was overcome by the heat and smoke, while fighting the fire. Messrs Rankin had over £100 in the safe, on opening which some books were foin d decipherable, and the numbeis of aorr© notes ascerlainable The insurances aie not known'' yet, and the damage has not been estimated.

The Nelson Colonist learn? on good Authority that the lease of 950 acres (more or lesb) for the purpose of mining for hamatite iron ore, which lease was granted to the late Sir Alfred Cadman be-fore his 1 deith, has now been taken up by his" assigns, and that, under the conditions, 4 sum of £1000 has been deposited a3 security for the due compliance with the terms of the lease, and that a sum of £115, the amount of the first year's rent, has also been paid. The Imperial Brass Sprot Pump: With Stream and Fine Spray Nozzle. — Made cy American noted manufacturers. Are obtain* able from Nijtmo and Blair, Diinedin. Friut* growers and OrehardMs should use them.