FATAL FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1927, Page 2

FATAL FIRE

[by TEBvouaph—per PRESS ASSOCIATION.} AUCKLAND, March G. A distressing fatality occurred at liowiek on Saturday evening, a retired civil servant, Air E. 11. Dixon, perishing in a lire which destroyed a four roomed dwelling in Uxbridge Street, leased by Mr A. Gening, Town Clerk of liowiek. A young man, Air A. Jsomonger, made two courageous attempts to find the unfortunate man iu the blazing building. Air Dixon, who was an elderly man, had been residing with Air Gerriug, Iris wife and family being in Auckland. On Saturday evening Air Gening left Air Dixon alone in the bouse at about 7.-15 o’elc-k, it being Dixon’s custom to retire early. Shortly before 9.30 p.m., the building was seen to Is? in flames, and there was an exodus from a picture theatre opposite of curious people, who could only sympathise in the absence of water connections, and fire fighting equipment. The blaze was seen to have originated in the bedroom occupied by Dixon and a rumour soon was circulated that Dixon was in the house. It was also general knowledge that Gening kept the safe and the Town Board records on the premises. ’J he. gathering made every effort, to search the building. Although half the building was a mass of Haines, Air Tsemonger made, his way through a smoke-filled passage, and forced the door of Dixon's room. A .-licet of flame, shot out through the opening, and smoke poured through the passage. Groping in the entrance 1-emongcr found that the floor had collapsed. and he had to retreat. Later he made another fruitless attempt to enter the room. AH- H. Hill gained access to the building through a window, cud he collected a number of papers and document- relating to Town Board matters. Many papers had already been destroyed. A wire rope was bitched to the safe at some risk, and a gang of helpers dragged the safe through the burning room. AVhcn the safe was opened. Ihe contents showed the effect of th(> heat, but nothing had been destroyed. When the- (lames threatened a shed at the hack of the dwelling, water was obtained from two adjacent tanks, and the destruction of the outbuilding was prevented. At 11 p.m. the building had collapsed, and only the glowing embers remained. When enquiries failed to 100 lie Dixon. it became obvious that be bad fallen a victim. A search at davhreak confirmed these fears. The body, charred beyond recognition, was found near the bedroom window. His watch and chain lay close by. indicating that Dixon had been dressed when tho fire occurred. The position of the body suggested he had been overcome by the smoke while eiuh nvouring to escape by the window.