FATAL FIRE.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17242, 29 October 1927, Page 7

FATAL FIRE.

HOTEL DESTROYED.

MAN BURNED TO DEATH.

SEVERAL OTHERS INJURED,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

MURCHISON, Saturday,

The Commercial Hotel at Murchison was totally destroyed by fire at 4 o’clock Lius morning, with the loss of one life and several injured. Many other boarders had no warning, and only managed to escape in their night attire, losing all their personal effects. It is understood that the lire originated in one of the back bedrooms in the oldest portion of the hotel, but the cause of the outbreak is unknown.

The building was a substantial wooden structure, containing 36 rooms. The flames took speedy hold, and within twenty minutes the whole building was demolished. The casualties are as follows: —

Bert Roulson, boot repairer, dead

Tom Barclay, farmer, badly burned about the head, hack and arms.

Miss Shea, sister of the proprietor, slight abrasions and shock.

Miss Flo Finnerty, maid, injury to the leg and shock.

The injured are in hospital, and progressing favourably. The building was owned by Mr J. Duncan, of Nelson, and leased by Mr J. A. Shea, formerly of Fairlie. . Practically everything was destroyed, and the owner and lessee are heavy losers. The insurances are not available.

Had a strong wind sprung up the whole township would have been endangered. As it was, Ross’ Hotel, McNee’s store, and the schoolhouse were fortunate in escaping. Volunteer workers were instrumental in this direction.

The proprietors of Ross’ Hotel extended hospitality to the sufferers by the outbreak, and many Residents willingly provided wearing apparel.

The remains of deceased were located at 10 a.nr.