Terrible Fatality in Pahiatua.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 96, 8 January 1894, Page 2

Terrible Fatality in Pahiatua.

A Child Burned to Death

A very sjul accident occurred about one o'clock on Saturday afternoon through which Gordon Clarke, the three •year-old sou of Mr i!. I*. ( liuko way burn* 3to death. The little fellow, with his brother and one or two other children, wan playing about yi\ chains from his parents’ residence, in Pahiatua, amongst some logs. I one of which was burning. By some I means, none of the children know exactly j how. (Jordon's clothes became ignited. One of his little companions wanted to j take his coat off. but his brother, who was a little older than Gordon, said, “ Don’t let them ; run home to mother." at the same time setting off home to get some water. The poor little fellow commenced running towards his home enveloped in the flames, which, fanned by the breeze* grew higher as lie ran. Mrs Clarke was alarmed bv the elder brother and at once, in great alarm, rushed outside. She was just in time to catch the poor child, whose clothes were almost completely burned from his flesh, and who was just dropping Hurriedly the cruel Haines were extinguished and w ith the utmost care and tenderness the child was divested of the remains of the clothing and conveyed inside. He 1 was fearfully burned all over the body and must have suffered the most intense ! agony: yet to the end he remained conscious, and child though he was, suffered with wonderful fortitude. Dr Gault was at once sent for, but before lie could arrive the little fellow had expired. In their terrible bereavement Mr and Mrs Clarke will have the heartfelt sympathy of everv person in the district.

I>r Gault has given a certificate as to the cause of death, therefore no inquest will bo held.