OLD MAN BURNED TO DEATH.

Western Star, 11 October 1938, Page 3

OLD MAN BURNED TO DEATH.

HUT FOUND RAZED TO GROUND. V >

A .tragedy occurred at Riversdale early on Sunday morning when William Souter, an old age pensioner, was burned to death. Souter lived by himself in a small hut and about 2 it.m. oji Sunday it was discovered that the hut was on fire. When the fire wa discovered the flames had a strong hold and the walls were about to fal in. It was not possible, therefore, k do anything to save the man, who was apparently burned to death in his bed. The hut was completely destroyed and when investigations were made by the Gore police later in the day all that was found were some bones. v It is not known how the fire started but it is understood that Souter user to smoke in bed and that he also had a kerosene lamp in the hut. It is possible that the lamp was knocked over, or that he eet the bedding on fire while smoking. His age was pot known, but it is understood that efforts ' were made recently by the health, authorities to have him taken to a home, it ■ being considered that it was not safe for him to be Hying by himself. An inquest is to be held.