FOUR BURNED TO DEATH

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23029, 21 October 1944, Page 4

FOUR BURNED TO DEATH

Early Morning Tragedy Near Westport Members Of One Family (N.Z.P.A.) WESTPORT. Oct. 20. Tragedy overshadowed the small township of Hector early this morning, when four persons—father, mother, son and daughter—were 'burned to death in a fire which gutted their house. The victims were: ?.Ir Elias Martin, aged 62. mine manager of the Hydro Coal Company mine. Mrs Mona Mary Martin, aged 62 wife of Mr E. Martin. Mr Reginald Wilfred Martin, aged JI. a fitter, employed by the State mine at Ngakawau. Miss Esma Mona Martin, aged 34 a dressmaker. It is understood that a payroll amounting to £l7O, for the employees of the mine of which Martin was manager, was in tjje house. The J ir, ‘ occurred about 3.3 C o clock this morning and was fanned bv a high wind. A neighbour saw the names coming from a house and gave the alarm. A son. Mr Allen Martin was summoned from his house a mile away. The house was practically destroyed when help arrived, only parts Of washhouse and bathroom being left. The house contained six rooms and it was possible for Allen Martin to explain in which room the victims were sleeping. Nothing could be done to stop the fire, since there was no water available. Search for Remains It was some hours before the flames subsided to allow investigation to be made. When it was possible to approach the building, the remains of four persons were found in different parts of the house. A Sergeant of Police (Mr T. Matthews) and the Coroner iMr C. H. Thomas) left early this morning for Hector. They found the remains of the occupants on the premises. Dr Simpson carried out an examination, but the corpses were so badly burned as to be unrecognisable. The remains of Mr and Mrs Martin, sr„ were found in a bedroom on the south-east corner of the house. Mrs Martin was lying on a wire mattress. The daughter was found in a bedroom-adjoining on the south-west comer of the house, while the son was found in the middle of the house. He was lying on the wire mattress of his bed. The bodies were taken to the church. Inquest Opened An inquest was opened for identification purposes. Evidence as to the exact location of the sleeping accommodation in the house was given by Allen Hibbert Martin, but it was impossible for him to distinguish between the bodies. The inquest was adjourned sine die. No reason has been advanced as to the cause of the fire, although it is considered that it must have had a good hold before it was discovered. It appears that the occupants were quickly overcome by the smoke and burned to death. Tlje payroll of £l7O is believed to have been in the house, but through the great heat it was impossible to make other than a cursory search. Investigations are being continued.