GIRLS SLIDE FOR LIFE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8740, 14 February 1907, Page 1

GIRLS SLIDE FOR LIFE.

Seven Manchester workgirls had an exciting experience at a fire which broke out in the building in which they were at work. They are employed by a remnant dealer, and their employers’ warehouse forms part of a largo building in which there are several tenants. Work was in progress when tho firebroke out in one of the lower floors, and the gilrs found that their escape by the ordinary staircase was cut off.

“ The smoko came rushing up in volumes,” said one of the girls, “ and we thought we were going to bcj burnt, “A Mr Drake, who works in one of the lower rooms, came in and told ns to keep cool, but one, of the girls, Annie Brotherfcon, made a rush for the rope on the hoist. It was fixed' tight, however, and she had to leave go, falling to the bottom, about fortyfeet.

“Mr Drake shouted, ‘ For heaven's sake, girls, do as I tell you.’ The staircase was all ablaze then, and my sister caught hold of the hoist rope. The wheel suddenly slipped, however* and she fell to the bottom in a heap.

“ ‘We had bettor see if the fire-1 escape has come,’ said Mr Drake. * But it hadn’t, and so wo all began t;c, | go down the ropo, which was n.yw at full length. “ It burnt my hands dreadfully as I slid down, but 5 managed to stick to it till I got to the bottom. The other girls did' the same. Mr Drake was, the last to coma down, after putting on his hat and coat. Our manager was away, and if it had not, been for Mr Drake we should all j have jumped to the pavement.” I The two girls wha fell received | serious injuries. The othlr girls I suffered from cuts to the hands owing to the friction in sliding down | the rope. An excited crowd witnessed the scone, and cheered loudly as the five girls and the man safely reached the ground.