A CAUTION TO PARENTS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2461, 7 February 1881, Page 2

A CAUTION TO PARENTS.

THESE CHILDEENBURNT TO DEATH.

Wellington, Feb. G

A fire, attended with fatal results, occurred at Newton at 10 o’clock last night. The house occupied by Charles Whittington, a driver, being destroyed and his three children, Herbert Christopher Whittington, Sarah Olive Whittington, and Milly Whittington, aged 6 years, 3 years, and 10 months respectively, burnt to death. Mrs Whittington put the children to bed early in the evening, and came to town, the husband remaining in the house. He left the building about an hour later to meet his wife. On their return and when near home,there was a strong smell of fire. Whittington ran to the house and discovered the back portion on fire. He soon gained admission, but was unable to reach the children, as the fire by this time had a firm hold, and all efforts to rescue the inmates were unavailing.

G-reat excitement prevailed amongst the spectators when it was known that the children were in the burning building, Whittington states that everything was safe when he left, and that no lights were left burning,but that a few sticks of wood were burning in the kitchen fireplace.. It is not known how the fire originated, but it is thought it must have been caused by the fire in the kitchen. The remains were found at midnight. Only the trunk of the eldest girl was found, and nearly all traces of the infant were destroyed by fire, Whittington saved nothing, and, being uninsured, is a heavy loser. The building, which was totally consumed was owned by Mr Sutherland, nnd it is not known if it is insured. THIS DAY. The inquest on the fatal fire at Newton revealed nothing. A verdict of “accidentally burned” was returned, with a rider calling on the Corporation to erect the fire-bell which has been laying on the ground near the station for many months.