Destruction of Stoke Orphanage by Fire.

Southland Times, Issue 19032, 28 April 1903, Page 2

Destruction of Stoke Orphanage by Fire.

111 BOYS ESCAPE— ONE UNAO

COUNTED FOR

Per United Press Association.

NELSON, April 27. A. little before three o'clock ibis morning the boys' ovstow*& at Stoke was destroyed by '-ffrev-* Mr Fitzgerald, the headmaster, > states lhait about half-past two, hci discovered lire in the boys' dressing room on the upper yjstorey. He at once-r emoved .two- boys' who were in hospital, and got the other ,boys from the burning place. There were 112 boys in the institution, and, so far as could be ascertained, all were got out safely, but they escaped, in their nightclothes, though some secured blankets. A harmonium and some few other, things were saved from . downstairs, I>ut the lads are left - without clothes to -wear.

.*/■'--' LATER. William kelson, aged 8£ years, is missing. He was supposed to • have been seen by boys after the lire, but when the roll was called he. was missing." Search parties/ hWo bisen out all day on the hills, but did not find him.

The insurances are £3000 on the building, £500 on the furniture and £100 on the workshops in the South British Oftice. Of this sum £IOQO is reinsured with* the National Office, and £500 in the New Zealand Office. The excellent discipline) ensured the saving of life. When the fire broke out ... §phoolmaster marshalled the '"bays, sent them .back for what they v could gave, and marched them down 'stairs. The" loss over the insurance is estimated, at about.. £10.000. ' The boys are housed at present in a woodshed and other outhouses, and a supply, of clothing was forwarded shortly atter day* light.