FATAL FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11760, 20 February 1919, Page 5

FATAL FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

AN UNKNOWN VICTIM. Per Presa Association. Auckland, Feb 19 A fatal fire occurred in the city tonight, when the top storey of the Thames Hotel was completely destroyed, tlia second storey partly horned, and the remainder of the building: severely damaged by water. The flames burned fiercely, and subsequently an elderly man was found suffocated in one of the bedrooms. Four other persons slaying at the hotel were in bed at the time of the fire, and had narrow escapes. A returned soldier—P. N. Jones —and his wife were awakened by falling g'asa. Mrs Jones collapsed, and was carried by liar husband through the flames to the street entrance. Jones was badly burned about one foot, Mrs Jones suffered from shock and slight burns. Two others—Mr and Mrs J. U. Jerrsrd, of JRangiriri —escaped by the fire escape in their nigut attire These people lost eveything, pas also did several others in the hotel, who were attending amusement houses. The building was owned by the Dilworth trustees, leased to Campbell Ehrenfried and Co., and sub-leased to the licensee (O’Connor). The identity of the victim is not yet known. Auckland, Feb 20. The victim of the fire at the Thames Hotel was Wil iam McGinn* aged ti 3, a native of Ireland. He came to Auckland this week from Taihape. P. IS. Jones, a returned soldier, of Stratford, was badly burnt on one foot. Mrs P. N. Jones sustained burns on the chest, chin, right arm, and is suffering from shock.