FATAL FIRE IN A HOTEL

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2114, 24 June 1907, Page 3

FATAL FIRE IN A HOTEL

MAN BURNED TO DEATH. SEVERAL NARROW ESCAPES. Press Association. INVERCARGILL, last night. Otautnu Hotel, where a fatal firo occurred early on Saturday morning, was a woodou building, and very old. ■ So far particulars are somewhat meagre, but it appoars that the outbreak originated in a back bedroom. The alarm was promptly given, and the inmates, comprising sovoral lodging for the night, made preparations for getting into safety. So quickly did the flames spread that somo had barely time to escape in their night-clothes, carrying what a ttire they could lay hold of in their arms. In this way one man -just escaped the flames by getting out of a window into the street. The occupant of tho next apartment, Mr. W. Carnahan, corn dealer, of Invercargill, was not so fortunate, hut when his absence was observed by those who had escaped it was too late to succor him, tho whole building being a mass of flames.

At tile time a strong westerly wind prevailed, and although stronuous efforts were made to prevent the spread of tho fire, the adjoining premises, a wooden establishment, and the National Bank caught. The fire also destroyed tho buildings opposite. A lad had a narrow escape. Only a few articles belonging to tho hotel were saved. Mr. Woods lost most of his stock. The National Bank offices contained only a little furniture. Several lodgers' lost their belongings. The. late Mr. Carnahan, whoso body was discovered among the debris, was for many years groom for Dr. louug, of Invercargill, and latterly engaged in business as a corn dealer, xfe liad been attending a Jiorse sale during the week in the Otautnu district.

It is understood that the hotel and contents were insured for £750 in the Allianco Office. Mr. R. Acheson was the owner of the premises occupied by Mr. Wood.