A FATAL FIRE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15192, 12 April 1917, Page 5

A FATAL FIRE.

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, April 12. A fatal fire occurred early this morning, when the Wellington Hotel, at the corner of Sydney Street and Molesworth Street, was practically destroyed. There were about twenty inmates at the time, several being Maoris. All escaped with the exception of Patrick Twohrll, S well-known identity, 74 years of age, who was burnt to death. The fire is supposed to have had its origin in the sitting room, the theory being that it was caused by a cigarette or a lighted match. The building was about half a century old. It was owned by Staples and Co., brewers, and was ittwured in the Atlas C. for £2260, and the contents in the Commercial for £6OO. The licensee was M. Ryan. The fire swept right through the second storey of the hotel, where the bedrooms were located.