A FATAL FIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1923, Page 1

A FATAL FIRE.

MAN BURNT TO DEATH. [by TELEGRAPH —rEII TRESS association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May G. A fire with latal consequences occurred at 4.20 a. ill. to-day when the Railway Hotel, Manchester Street- near the Railway Station was gutted, and a man named Finn Roy O’Donnell, 33, labourer. lest his life.

Tlie lire originated near the kiteller and had a good hold when discovered It was thought at first that all the inmates had got out safely, losing however, most of their belongings, but later O’Donnell’s body was found.

There were sixteen persons in the house.

The fire it is thought, was due to the fusing' of electrical wires, which had been previously giving trouble. J lie hotel was an old wooden building of twenty-three rooms. It was

owned by Ward’s Brewery, the license being “Andy” Pringle, the well-known trotting trainer and reinsman.

The insurances are: £3OOO in the Building Commercial Union, and £IOOO on the stock, and £OOO on the furniture in the Liverpool. London and Globe ofliec. The contents of the bar and storeroom were only slightly affected by the fire.