DEATH OF THE VICTIM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8375, 22 July 1905, Page 5

DEATH OF THE VICTIM.

' Miss Curtayne, the young woman who was burnt to death in the' fire at Hastie's Hotel in Feilding on Tuesday night, was twenty-five years of age, and came from Hawera, The barman stated that he last saw her together with the other girls, who. occupied two rooms near the back stains. It was impossible when they made their escape for any one to hay© got clear by the staixoaee. ' The girls attempted to get out in that direction, but he prevented them. . He then smashed the window open and threw the "fire-escape rope out. He assisted two of the girls -down on his shoulders, and in doing co was badly cut about the arms and hands. Another girl jumped from the window and was considerably bruised and shaken. Two of the girls, interviewed, stated that the missing girl was nearly dressed. The smoke was so dense that they lost the run of her. Miss Curtayne had evidently attempted to escapee by the front entrance, as the remains were found in the region of the front passage. Some spectators state that they saw the deceased lady on the front balcony when the building was about to' cWiapse, She was heard to call out for help! Immedia,tely after that she disappeared into the burning building. - - ■