LAUNCH BURNED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18960, 10 March 1936, Page 4

LAUNCH BURNED

SMALL BOY'S ESCAPE

SUDDEN BURST OP FLAMES

A small launch which had been moored off Titirangi Beach, on the Manukau Harbour, was almost, destroyed by fire about seven o'clock on Sunday night. The craft burst into flames when the small son of its N owner was making a search for something he had been sent for by his father. The 'boy, who is believed to have lighted a match near the engine, escaped without injury. The launch, which 'was owned by Mr. H. Stancliffe, of Titirangi Bay> had been anchored some distance out from the beach, but when the tide receded was left high and dry. As soon as the fire was noticed Mr. Stancliffe and other people living at the beach hastily obtained shovels, with which they shovelled sand into the boat in an endeavour to smother the flames.

It was not possible to use water, as the launch was well clear of the tide, and in spite of the efforts made with sand the boat had been damaged, extensively before the flames were subdued.

There was no insurance on the launch, which had been used by Mr. Stancliffe for fishing purposes. Formerly it was a whaleboat, but it had been converted into a launch'and was, purchased only recently by Mr. Stancliffe.