FATALITY AT THE PEAK.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 7 August 1919, Page 2

FATALITY AT THE PEAK.

An old-age pensioner, Charles BlatfflßJi' (about 70), of Swiss descent, who fo^* lowed the occupation of gumdigger at "The Peak," near Kaukapakapa, was fatally burned in his whare on Tuesday of last week. It appears that Blattner, who had been in indifferent health, was being cared for by a mate, who had left a pile of scrub near the whare, for the fire, and while he was absent deceased had evidently obtained this and placed it on the fire, which blazed and caught his clothes. When found at night he was quite dead, being badly burned about the neck and down one side. Constable Hunt, of Helensville, was communicated with, and accompanied by Dr. Meinhold, ' proceeded to the scene of the fatality. ' An inquest was*held on the following ' day, when a verdict of accidental death from burns was returned. It is stated that deceased had been in the Costler Home, but refused to stay there, as he thought he had not enough freedom.