AN AWFUL TRAGEDY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1807, 28 March 1918, Page 3

AN AWFUL TRAGEDY.

HOW AKERSTEN PERISHED. The Akenstens, victims of the Raaetihi bush fires, had an uavl'uJ death, .as Avas shown Avhen their charred remains Avere brought in by Constable McGowan. Mr J. G. T. HeAvitt, S.M., immediately held an inquest, at which the story of a terrible death was told by the chief Avitness, Sydney Scott, avlio had been living in a Avhare at the back of Akersten’s house. Mr Akersten Avas manager for Messrs Scott and Connor at a place called Mangaituroa. He had been there six months, and it is stated came from Wanganui. At 4 a.m. on Man'll 19th the fire came right through the bush, over the hills, and on to the house. Akersten said they had better leave the hoiw and go into the green bush, as he considered it would be safe there. Mrs Akersten, the baby, and Seott Avent with him. A quarter of an hour afterwards the little party found they had been cut off by the fire. Scott: asked Akersten to go further into the bush, Avhere there Avas not so much fire, but- the latter said no, he would stay Avhere he was, Scott said he avoulcl go alone, and Avent off, and a little Inter he climbed a tree, and was compelled to remain there for eleven hours till the fire abated. He then managed to Avork his Avay on to 'McArthur’s place and told his story. Just about this time a search party arrived. Scott took them to the place Avhere he had lust seen the Akerstens’ and there the charred remains Avere found. The mother avus clasping the little baby in her arms, and she avus lying across the father, avlio had his arms around both his loved ones. One of the lavo hurricane damps Avhieh the little party had started out Avith Avere found by the bodies.