Pleasure Launch Destroyed by Fire

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 20, 25 January 1937, Page 6

Pleasure Launch Destroyed by Fire

SAD ENDING TO PLEASURE TRIP Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The 38-foot launch Kathryn R owned by E. W. Goddard, of Devonport, was almost totally destroyed by fire and sank at her anchorage at the Great Barrier on Friday afternoon, following back-firing of the engine. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard,, who were accompanied by relatives, had to abandon the launch hurriedly and escaped in the dinghy. After spending some hours on the island the party was picked up by a passing launch and taken to Port Fitzroy. Although the launch was insured, Mr. Goddard is a heavy loser, as equipment valued at about £IOO was destroyed, the property lost in the fire including a radio sot, cameras, clothing, tennis racquets, cutlery and general ship’s gear. The party had been away from Auck land for about three weeks on a holiday cruise. Mr. Goddard was starting the engine before setting out for a short trip when a back-fire occurred. The owner had some difficulty in making his way aft as the flames were leaping violently from the motor in an instant and nothing could bo done to extinguish the fire.