THE BRUNNER FIRE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9439, 8 May 1909, Page 4

THE BRUNNER FIRE.

Per Pre as Association.

. Greymouth, M»y 7. The shocking calamity at Brunner cast quite a pi bum over the town to-din, when it becamejjnown that two children of Mr and Mrs Thomas Watchman had been burnt to death by the residence catching fire. A c the inquest, Thomas Watcisman. the father, stated that bis wife, eldest son, and himself were out spending the evening. They arrived, home at 13.30, and before retiringhe went 'through the house and saw that there were no lights or* flies. About 1.30 he was awakened by something falling, and ou getting up found the house filled with smoke. The fire was raging in the kitchen, and as the stairway was leading into that room escape was out cff. He got all the children into the one room, and opened the window. He let three boys down. The youngest (three years of age) broke an arm in his fall. Then his (wife got ont., The room was filled with smoke, and the heat was almost unbearable. He then jumped out, thinking, in his ‘ excitement, that the g’rls Assistance was soon at hand, bat“the building was a mass of flames. The two children were never seen again. After the fire had burnt ont the remains were found in the debris about four feet apart. Only the trunks could be found of the deceased. Jane was 15 years and Margaret was 5 years old. The inqnest was adjourned till Monday morning. The insurance on the building was £IOO in the Alliance. The stock and furniture were insured for £6OO in the State office.