MYSTERIOUS FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4486, 2 August 1930, Page 3

MYSTERIOUS FIRE.

MAX BURNED TO DEATH. '■ Christchurch, July 31. A small cottage ai Softon was burned In the ground early this morning, and an investigation of the debris later disclosed the charred remains of a man’s body. He was Samuel Wilson, a labourer, and was G 4 years of age. It is not known how tlie fire occurred, but the theory has been advanced that Wilson set fire to the cottage and then committed suicide. A butcher’s knife stained with what is thought to be blood was found near the remains of the body. The fire was first noticed about 12.30 o'clock this morning by some people who were returning to Soflon from Christ church. However, they did not know that Wilson was still in the cottage, for he had come to Christ church yesterday, and it was thought that lie had not returned in the evening. Wilson had been suffering from an ailment for some time, and hr- came to the city to see a doctor.

When, the fire, was discovered ii was blazing furiously, and il was impossible to get near it for the heat, and had il been known that Wilson was in the cottage it would have been impossible to get him out. After daybreak this morning two Seftou residents visited the scene of the fire, and under the debris found Wilson’s remains.

Wilson, who was not. married, lived in the cottage by himself. He was well-known throughout the district, where he had resided for abonl 40 years. The cottage was owned by Mr James Barclay, of Seftou, and it was not insured.