Shocking Occurrence.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 223, 18 August 1884, Page 3

Shocking Occurrence.

FATALITY AT WANGANUI. . MAN BUBNED TO DEATH. During church time yesterday morning (says the Chronicle) an elderly man was found lying dead m Churton's Creek, not far from the racecourse. The unfbrtnnate man presented a frightful appearance — looking, indeed, as if he had, before getting to the creek, been passed through a fnrnace. His body was one mass of frightful burns, from the fatal effects of which no medical aid could have saved him. From examination on the spot, it would appear that the man must have gone to sleep m a turze hedge about 150 yards from the creek, for the hedge was found to be burnt for a distance of ten or twelve yards, and m the vicinity were found a watch, a il note, and a pocket-book, believed to be the property of deceased. From inquiries we have instituted we learn that deceased's name was William Henry Paice, and that he has been for some years resident m the Feilding district, m the employ of Mr Simpson. He had no family, but has two sisters living at Home. His life is insured for £800. He came into town last Thursday, and stayed at Forder's till Friday, when he left to see some friends across the river. During his stay at Forder's he is said to have been m a desponding state of mind, and talked of making his will He was not addicted to drink, and wasjan honest and industrious man. How the hedge caught fire is not known. An inquest will be held to-day.