RIVERSDAIE TRAGEDY.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1924, Page 4

RIVERSDAIE TRAGEDY.

FURTHER PARTICULARS. INVERCARGILL, May 13. A tragedy occurred at Rivcrsdnlc early this morning, when the Catholic Presbytery of aboiil 10 rooms was destroyed by lire. Rev Father Daniel O'Neill perishing in the tlames. The hle.'ie was first nqjticed about 5 n.m. v. h.’ii the housekeeper i Mis* Lynch.) awakened a neighbouring family. Aiiss Lynch had a narrow escape and rushed from ihe blazing building in her night attire. .Miss Lynch herself was partially overcome b,v smoke and flames, and just managed to struggle across the road to the resilience of Afrs J. Snmill and give the alarm. A high wind was blowing at the time. Some people were quickly o:i the scene, hut the building was rapidly being reduced lo ashes and no help could lie given. There were a light and lire in Father O’Neill’s room when he retired for the night, and a search was made of the ruins this morning for iiis remains, which subsequently were discovered. Apparently the deceased, blinded and overcome by the heavy smoke, had made an elfort to get clear of Hie blazing building, for liis charred bones were found some distance from the bed.

The origin of tho outbreak is a mystery, and the building was too far gone when spectators came on the scene for there to he any chance of saving the place. The Rev Father Daniel O’Neill, who was about -10 years of age. was one of the best known and most popular priests in Otago and Southland. Of a jovial disposition, he had made friends among all classes of the community, and was highly resjiected by people of all denominations. The news of the tragedy cast quite a gloom over the surrounding districts. The building, one of the best known landmarks m the lliversdale district, was originally erected as a residence by Air A. J. Pease, now of Manchester, England, who conducted business at Riversdale in the early days. Great care was taken over its erection, the whole structure being of an elaborate nature. For instance, the space between the outside walls and tho lining hoards was filled with sawdust to add to the general comfort and to deaden sound. The building was insured for £750, and the contents ir £IOO with the Victoria Insurance Co.