Fatal Fire.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 7, Issue 7, 4 February 1896, Page 2

Fatal Fire.

Christchurch, February i. A fire, which resulted in the burning of the fonr children of George Truman, of Balcairn, occurred last night, Their ages rangeb from five to nine years. Mrs Truman was severley burnt about the arms, The origin of the fire is unknown. There arc no further particulars. Later. . The names of George Trumun's children who were burned at Balcairn are, Hilda, Winifred, aged nine ;. Elizabeth Mary, aged four ; Mabel Eleanor, aged eight, and James Gilbert, aged three, They slept upstairs in one bed, The house took fire at about ten o'clock. Truman had gone to a neighbour's house, and shortly afterwards he heard his wife screaming, and returned with two neighbours when he found Mrs Truman was outside the house and that the upstair rooms were on fire. He tried to get upstairs and in by the window, but could not. The stairs and'the top part of the house soon fell in. Twi\. children who slept downstairs were saved by their mother. The fire is thodght to have , been caused by a defective chimney. Thei house was insured for £l5O in the alliance* Office. Truman's father and mother were burned to death at Waikari nine or ten years ago,