FATAL FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2335, 29 September 1921, Page 2

FATAL FIRE.

TWO CHILDREN LOSE THEIR

LIVES.

Christchurch, Sept. 27

Olive and Maida Dodds, aged respectively ten and four years, daughters of Mr D. S. Dodds, of London Stredt, Lyttelton, lost their lives in a fire to-night.

Mr Dodds carries on the business of a clothier in the street mentioned, and lived on the premises. He and his wife were absent- from home at the time of the outbreak. AYhcn the tire was first noticed thick smoke was coining from the rear of the building, but almost immediately the whole of the shop broke into flames.

One child was actually seen at an upstairs window, and Constable Baines, who was proceeding on duty, made his way up on the verandah, and entered the building. Unfortunately, he was directed to the wrong window, and after groping around inside was overcome by smoke and collapsed. lie was rescued by Edward Lester, and removed to the police station for medical attention.

Directly the lire brigade got to work another entrance was made, and the bodies were recovered. Tlie elder girl had been burnt, and the younger suffocated.

INQUEST ON THE VICTIMS

Christchurch, Sept. 28,

The names of the victims of the fatal fire in Lyttelton are Olivine, aged ten years, and May Josephine, aged three years. An inquest was opened this morning, and adjourned till Wednesday, after formal evidence of identification had been given by David Dodds, father of the children.