FIRE IN AUCKLAND CONVENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2256, 29 March 1921, Page 3

FIRE IN AUCKLAND CONVENT.

Auckland, March 26. The-eight sisters and six pupils of St. Joseph’s Convent at Grey Lynn had a narrow 'escape, the flames rapidly traversing the wooden building, which was *bld, very dry, and two stories high. When the fire had just started, a man who first observed it states that he saw another man leaving the spot, and spoke to him. The latter made no reply, but immediately hurried away across the street and disappeared around a comer. The place where the fire originated is easily accessible from the street. It had no gas or electric wires. The police are investigating the matter. The building was valued at between £4,000 and £5,000. It was insured for .£1,00(1. and the contents' for £3oo*

The inmates of the institution had escaped from the convent before the arrival of the brigade, some by means of tire escapes, others (including nn invalid sister) bv the verandah posts. The sisters heroically devoted themselves to getting the children under their care out of the place. Only when the girls had been placed beyond any danger did they consider their own welfare, Residents in the neighbourhood provided accommodation for the children, and the sisters were taken in motor cars to their house at St. Benedicts’.